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A record eagle’s-eye view off Burj Khalifa
The event took 42 days to evaluate and plan as the eagle was trained and the camera system was designed.
Eagle soars off Burj Khalifa, breaks record for highest bird flight off a man-made structure - BBC News
Dubai - A camera-equipped eagle named Darshan soared to new heights off the 829-metre Burj Khalifa on Saturday, achieving the world record for the highest bird flight off a man-made structure in a bid to draw the world’s attention to the plight of endangered species.
The event was organised by the Freedom Conservation organisation, which works with UNESCO and Save Our Species to protect endangered species.
The flight — which was recorded by a 300-gram Sony ActionCam Mini attached to Darshan’s body — was broadcast live on Freedom Conservation’s website, several local channels and BBC World, providing stunning footage of Downtown Dubai.
Darshan took several loops around the Burj Khalifa during his descent before entering into a steep dive back into the arms of his trainer, Jacques-Olivier Travers.
“I’m really proud of the bird,” Travers said. “Today was really perfect. I really think that anyone who saw these shots will never think of eagles again in the same way.”
The event took 42 days to evaluate and plan as the eagle was trained and the camera system was designed.
Travers used hand signals to communicate with Darshan, telling him in which direction to fly and when to dive.
Noora Yousef al Mansoori, Senior Manager of Strategic Communications for the Dubai Media Office, said the event symbolises Dubai’s commitment to endangered species.
“Dubai is an international city and the Burj Khalifa is an international landmark,” she said. “This event comes from Dubai’s concern to actually save these endangered animals and spread awareness (among) ... the people.
“Birds of prey have always been part of the culture and heritage of the UAE. We want to raise awareness of conservation and our responsibility as UAE nationals.”
Darshan’s flight from the Burj Khalifa is the latest in a series of high-profile bird flights organised by Freedom Conservation to spark public interest in endangered species. In the past, similar flights have been conducted from Mont Blanc and the Eiffel Tower in France, as well as Tower Bridge and St. Pauls Cathedral in London.
Conservationist Ronald Menzel said the Burj Khalifa event is unprecedented in terms of the number of people who will be made aware of the plight of endangered birds.
“For the first time, millions of people can see this animal in flight,” he said. “The amount of coverage I see is just crazy. “These beautiful shots can get it into people’s heads to protect these animals.”
bernd@khaleejtimes.com
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