Eagle learns to fly off the Mont Blanc - Chamonix news (Oct 12 2008)
Sherkan taking off at the Coupe Icare
An American eagle born in captivity is getting his wings,learning to soar like the eagle it is.
Friday morning, Sherkan was heli-ported up the Mont Blanc for a flight from the summit accompanied by its trainer, Jacques Olivier Travers.The magnifescent bird didn't stray far from his trainer's tandem paraglider for the 40 minute flight, occasionally resting on the trainer's arm before playing in the air.
Sherkan and his trainer practiced for 18 months before being prepared for this flight, including an appearance at the Coupe Icare, one of the biggest free flying festivals in the word, 3 weeks ago.
The next objective is to teach the eagle how to hunt for its own fish.
Click here to see a BBC broadcast on Sherkan's flight from the summit fo Mont Blanc
