San Diego Zoo Animals Join Attempt to Break Jumping Jacks World Record

San Diego Zoo animals were stretching their wings and warming up their legs Tuesday afternoon in preparation to join the "Team Up and Jump Around the World" attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period.

     The Zoo wants to engage guests and join First Lady Michelle Obama as well as California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance and other health organizations to celebrate the importance of leading an active, healthy lifestyle. Similar "Jumping Jacks" events will be held nationally and worldwide from noon on Oct. 11 through noon on Oct. 12.

     People who missed out in today's event have another opportunity to take a step to get healthy and support conservation by participating in Saturday's 2.5-mile family-friendly walk through the Zoo. The annual Walk on the Wild Side, presented by Mission Federal Credit Union, will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Funds raised during this year's walk will support koala conservation efforts in Australia and will help build a new home for koalas at the Zoo. Visit www.sandiegozoo.org/walk for more information on Saturday's event.

     During Tuesday's jumping jacks record attempt, a serval showed Zoo guests how high this small African cat can jump, while a sea lion got into the mood and jumped along with participants. Churchill, a polar bear costumed character, and Tatqiq, a real polar bear, led participants in one minute of nonstop jumping jacks. San Diego State University students moderated the event to make sure participants completed their jumping jacks in order to be counted.