The Examiner reports on a new master plan for the future of the National Zoo set to be unveiled on Thursday that includes a call to build an aerial tram running the length of the 163-acre park. Other proposals include expanded exhibits, new visitor centers and a public plaza on the current site of the Great Ape House.

The image at left is of the Skyfari aerial tram at the San Diego Zoo, which might be a good approximation of what the National Zoo has in mind. The tram allows visitors to travel over the treetops from one end of the zoo to the other, to get great views of the park and its animal and plant collection, as well as the surrounding city.

Sounds like a neat idea, though naturally the Woodley Park Community Association told the newspaper that they have concerns about whether the tram will allow riders to peer into people’s backyards. Hopefully that issue won’t be too difficult to work out, but that doesn’t of course take into account the other pressing problem here — that our rivalry for supremacy with the San Diego Zoo could once again reach a fevered pitch should we just ape their tram system without making it better than theirs. So we’re asking you, dear readers: how can the National Zoo’s potential aerial tram show those folks in San Diego who’s boss?

Image of the Skyfari aerial tram courtesy the San Diego Zoo