Articles | Glider shows eagle how it's done

Glider shows eagle how it's done

A paraglider has launched himself from the top of Mont Blanc in a bid to show an eagle raised in captivity how to fly.

Jacques Olivier Travers spent a year-and-a-half preparing for the 40-minute flight to teach Sherkane the American eagle how it's done in the wild.

The lengthy preparation culminated in a truly remarkable event - man and bird flying as one.

During the flight, Sherkane discovers freedom of movement for the first time.

But like a nervous toddler he never strays more then 100m from Mr Travers, eventually stopping for a rest on his arm.

Experts hope the event raises the possibility that more birds of prey will be able to be re-introduced to the wild.