Michael Auslen

Michael.Auslen@Indystar.com

The Indianapolis Fire Department was called Sunday to the Indianapolis Zoo to rescue people trapped in the sky cars at the new International Orangutan Center.

The ride stopped just before 5 p.m., and by 7 p.m., IFD and zoo officials had rescued six people, including two children, from two cars about 35 feet in the air, according to a news release from IFD Capt. Rita Reith. To rescue these six riders, firefighters used a 45-foot lift and a harness system.

Four other cars with 12 riders were evacuated using a step ladder at a lower level of the ride.

No one was injured.

The zoo and IFD completed training to prepare for an incident like this just three weeks ago, Reith said, noting that Sunday's event "did not dampen the spirits of the riders."

"All of the riders commended firefighters and Zoo personnel on the quick response and professional manner in which their situation was handled," Reith said.

Call Star reporter Michael Auslen at (317) 444-6077. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelAuslen.