In a year of ups, downs, loops and scoops, Attractions Management looks back at some of the biggest stories to hit the headlines, giving possible indicators at what’s still to come in the year ahead.

After taking up the position in a temporary capacity. IAAPA named Hal McEvoy as its new president CEO. In Siberia, plans were hatched to resurrect the Wooly Mammoth and make it part of a new nature attraction. In Orlando, SeaWorld unveiled its latest attraction – the record-breaking Infinity Falls.

The new face running the place

After Paul Noland's February resignation, Hal McEvoy had been overseeing IAAPA until a permanent replacement was found. It ended up turning out he was the permanent replacement, being officially appointed to the role in October.

"Hal did an outstanding job as interim president and CEO. His vast industry experience, business acumen, affable leadership style and his recent experience working with our members and supporting our team around the world make him the ideal president and CEO," said Hank Salemi, chair of the IAAPA Compensation Committee and park president at Six Flags Great America.

"This is a critical time of transition for IAAPA as we wrap up the relocation of our global headquarters to Orlando, build our new office, hire a number of new team members, and begin to tackle one of the most ambitious strategic plans in our 100-year history.

"Hal's steady and thoughtful approach is exactly what we need to ensure the ongoing success of the association."

Mammoth implications

Bringing animals extinct for more than 10,000 years back to life sounds like something straight from the script of a Hollywood movie. But in October, a combined effort from Russian, Japanese and Korean scientists to resurrect the woolly mammoth was revealed.

Mammoths, whose closest living relative is the Asian elephant, became extinct around 4,000 years ago due to a number of suspected causes, including increased temperatures, overhunting, habitat shrinkage and a reduction in the supply of fresh water.

Now plans have been tabled to create a one-of-a-kind nature reserve, which will open in Siberia within the next decade. What makes it unique is that if scientists can crack their genetic code, resurrected mammoths will become the centrepiece of the mother nature-defying attraction.

“In 2014 I proposed a project to create an ice age park with mammoths,” said Aisen Nikolaev, the acting head of Russia’s Sakha Republic, while speaking at the recent Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). “Everyone laughed then, but they’re not laughing now. The prospect is no longer fantastical."

To infinity and beyond

SeaWorld's focus on creating "Experiences that Matter" continued in October, with the launch of the operator's latest Orlando attraction – the Intamin-manufactured Infinity Falls river ride.

Featuring a world record 40ft (12.2m) drop, the family-friendly ride finds inspiration in its design from the rainforests of South America, with guests taken through a jungle environment as they travel along the 1,520ft (460 m) rapids. The ride, which features eight-person rafts has an element unique to any rapids ride, with a vertical lift taking riders up a giant waterfall to its peak.

"Visitors will have the opportunity to take on the role of a conservationist on a journey through the rainforest," said a SeaWorld spokesperson. "There they can learn about the importance of freshwater conservation through interactive games and stories throughout the ride experience."

With the new addition comes a themed village area featuring a retail store, rest and dining areas, and interactive educational experiences.

Check back with Attractions Management tomorrow for a look back at the highlights from November