Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo Long Island Game Farm news

Smaggledagle

Smaggledagle

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5+ year member
Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo is a facility located in Manorville, New York. Species include generic giraffe, plains zebra, serval, red fox, black-and-white ruffed lemur, ring-tailed lemur, Bennett's wallaby, American bison, emu, muscovy duck, Indian peafowl, African spurred tortoise, and domestics, among other animals.

On February 24th, the zoo announced that they built a new house for their red foxes.

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On March 31st, the zoo announced the names of its (0.0.2) black-and-white ruffed lemurs, Mada and Gascar.

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On April 16th, the zoo announced that (0.0.3) domestic goats (breed not specified) were born.

On May 7th, the zoo announced that (0.0.2) more domestic goats (breed not specified) were born.

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Just in time for mother’s day! Mama Pajama one of our mom goats had twins. We will be open tomorrow from 11am - 4pm! Mothers can come in free when... | By Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo | Facebook

On June 3rd, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1) lesser hedgehog tenrec named Rhiannon/Ree.

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On August 27th, the zoo announced they are in the process of renovating their bathrooms. After that project is completed, the facility is looking to build a heated barn for its giraffes.

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On September 15th, the zoo announced that a (1.0) domestic pig (breed not specified) named Kirby passed away.

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I wonder if any zoochatters have been here before, as this is the only thread and there are no pictures in the gallery for this facility.

If anyone has been here, I'd be curious to hear what it is like. I am going to be in the NYC area for a while, and would consider a visit if it is accessible via public transportation or is possible to visit in the same day as the Long Island Aquarium.
 
ZooElephantsMan said:
I wonder if any zoochatters have been here before, as this is the only thread and there are no pictures in the gallery for this facility.

If anyone has been here, I'd be curious to hear what it is like. I am going to be in the NYC area for a while, and would consider a visit if it is accessible via public transportation or is possible to visit in the same day as the Long Island Aquarium.
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I've considered visiting this place in the summer, but it seems way too kiddy and also very expensive. Same with White Post Farms in the same vicinity. I did stop to visit smaller nature centers and sanctuaries in the area that were nice, but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to visit those if you aren't planning to be the area.
 
ZooElephantsMan said:
I wonder if any zoochatters have been here before, as this is the only thread and there are no pictures in the gallery for this facility.

If anyone has been here, I'd be curious to hear what it is like. I am going to be in the NYC area for a while, and would consider a visit if it is accessible via public transportation or is possible to visit in the same day as the Long Island Aquarium.
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weirdly some years ago I was going to go there with my dad but it closed due to rain.
 
ZooElephantsMan said:
I wonder if any zoochatters have been here before, as this is the only thread and there are no pictures in the gallery for this facility.

If anyone has been here, I'd be curious to hear what it is like. I am going to be in the NYC area for a while, and would consider a visit if it is accessible via public transportation or is possible to visit in the same day as the Long Island Aquarium.
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat as SusScrufa. Thought about visiting while on a LI trip (to the aquarium), but between the price vs photos I'd seen on google and the extremely underwhelming species list, I didn't get around to it. Felt like getting through NYC before the traffic got really bad instead.
 
The tag for this is excessively long, it should just be Long Island Game Farm.
 
I’ve been here. Not since maybe 2012 but before that at least half a dozen times. It hasn’t changed much since last I visited (although no cougars/gibbons/lions/tigers anymore). The exhibits are mostly chain link and range from fairly run-down to good enough . A lot of the warmer weather species are either moved off exhibit or shipped away for winter. The giraffe being an example, although his current yard is tiny and gravel filled as my memory serves.

I wouldn’t go out of your way to see this place, but if you are visiting the Long Island Aquarium it’s a pretty easy pairing.
 
ZooElephantsMan said:
I wonder if any zoochatters have been here before, as this is the only thread and there are no pictures in the gallery for this facility.

If anyone has been here, I'd be curious to hear what it is like. I am going to be in the NYC area for a while, and would consider a visit if it is accessible via public transportation or is possible to visit in the same day as the Long Island Aquarium.
Click to expand...
I used to enjoy visiting there since it was the closest "zoo" to my house (only about 5 minutes away) until I got a volunteer position there. I volunteered there for three months, and I say the first 3 weeks were the only decent ones. None of the staff or volunteers were respected at all, and we were scolded for the most ridiculous things and it gave me an inside look at how run down the place was. It is WAY overpriced. The average family of 4 would spend about 100-150 dollars, depending on the activity. The collection of animals used to be great, but the game farm went downhill starting about 3 years ago. They used to have a decent collection of animals, but they phased out their lion exhibit in 2009 when the remaining lions died and when their cougar did in 2016, they phased out that exhibit as well. Now all they really have are 2 American bison, 2 grants zebras, a reticulated giraffe, (on lease only for the summer months) a few lemurs, many goats, 2 wallabies, 2 African Sucalta tortoises, 2 dromedary camels, some llamas, 2 donkeys, and a few birds. You can also purchase a bucket of food to feed a limited amount of animals. Overall, I think it's way overpriced, the staff aren't treated too well nor are they happe, and they're so little animals for the amount of money you spend. I think it's a waste of money but if you really would like to go, feel free to because there are some positives. There is a place which is also in Manorville, about 5 minutes from the game farm called the Animal Farm Petting zoo. They have a decent collection of animals and it's more well-kept and cheaper. They don't have a giraffe, bison, or lemurs, but they do have a dromedary camel which you can pet and feed, a family of snow monkeys, and a few other exotics. If you really want to go to a nice place, I strongly recommend the Long Island Aquarium. The staff are treated phenomenally (I currently work there) and I think it's worth the money. They have a great collection of aquatics and they have a few exotics mixed in like snow monkeys, butterflies, some lizards, and marmosets. Not to mention the penguins, sea lions, and other aquatic mammals and birds you may find. I hope this is informative.
 
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Sean Crowley said:
I used to enjoy visiting there since it was the closest "zoo" to my house (only about 5 minutes away) until I got a volunteer position there. I volunteered there for three months, and I say the first 3 weeks were the only decent ones. None of the staff or volunteers were respected at all, and we were scolded for the most ridiculous things and it gave me an inside look at how run down the place was. It is WAY overpriced. The average family of 4 would spend about 100-150 dollars, depending on the activity. The collection of animals used to be great, but the game farm went downhill starting about 3 years ago. They used to have a decent collection of animals, but they phased out their lion exhibit in 2009 when the remaining lions died and when their cougar did in 2016, they phased out that exhibit as well. Now all they really have are 2 American bison, 2 grants zebras, a reticulated giraffe, (on lease only for the summer months) a few lemurs, many goats, 2 wallabies, 2 African Sucalta tortoises, some llamas, 2 donkeys, and a few birds. You can also purchase a bucket of food to feed a limited amount of animals. Overall, I think it's way overpriced, the staff aren't treated that well, and they're so little animals for the amount of money you spend. I think it's a waste of money but if you really would like to go, feel free to because there are some positives.
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Thank you for your insight. I’m sorry you had such a negative experience volunteering. Between your comments and those of most of the other zoochatters who replied to my initial inquiry, I decided it wouldn’t really be worthwhile to go out of my way to visit. If I ever am in Long Island for other reasons though, I would probably try to check out the aquarium and/or possibly some of the nature centers.
 
On May 9th, 2023, the zoo announced that (0.0.2) domestic goats (breed not specified) were born.

This Sunday, May 14th, all Mother’s will have FREE Admission! It’s perfect timing to announce the arrival of our first two baby goats! We know the perfect Mother’s Day Gift, a FREE trip to the Game Farm with every Animal Adoption! Each adoption comes with an adoption certificate with animal’s photo and 1 pass to visit the LIGF in the 2023 season. (Real Animals not included!) Adoption Certificate is good for one year. Perfect Gift for Adult, Child or Senior. All Adoption support and proceeds go towards animal enrichment. Click the link to Adopt an Animal! https://www.longislandgamefarm.com/shop/ News 12 Long IslandNewsdayLong Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's ZooMommy PoppinsDiscover Long IslandNews 12 Long Island #LongIsland #DiscoverLongIsland #DiscoverLI #LongIslandNY #NewYorkTravel #NewYorkTravelGuide #NYC #NYTravel #VisitNewYork #ThingsToDoonLongIsland #KidFriendly #KidFriendlyActivities #LearningForKids #FamilyTime #AnimalLover #KidsLearning #LongIslandKids #AnimalMom #Mothersday #Mom #Moms | Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo | Lucid Mantra · String Theory

On May 11th, the zoo announced that another (0.0.1) domestic goat (breed not specified) named Blue was born.

Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo

On May 16th, 2023, the zoo announced they acquired (1.1.1) Asian water buffalo named Fred, Cindy, and Coco which are now on exhibit.

Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo
 
On May 25th, the zoo announced that a (0.0.1) domestic goat was born on May 24th.

Ju... - Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo

On June 1st, the zoo announced that a (1.0) blue-and-gold macaw named Buddy passed away at around the age of 50.

We... - Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo

On July 7th, it was reported that the zoo opened a new exhibit for common squirrel monkeys to the public. It was also reported that they acquired a (0.1) common squirrel monkey named Bonnie from Animal Adventure Park in New York.

Long Island Game Farm in Manorville adds new squirrel monkey enclosure
Sq... - Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo
 
Sean Crowley said:
I used to enjoy visiting there since it was the closest "zoo" to my house (only about 5 minutes away) until I got a volunteer position there. I volunteered there for three months, and I say the first 3 weeks were the only decent ones. None of the staff or volunteers were respected at all, and we were scolded for the most ridiculous things and it gave me an inside look at how run down the place was. It is WAY overpriced. The average family of 4 would spend about 100-150 dollars, depending on the activity. The collection of animals used to be great, but the game farm went downhill starting about 3 years ago. They used to have a decent collection of animals, but they phased out their lion exhibit in 2009 when the remaining lions died and when their cougar did in 2016, they phased out that exhibit as well. Now all they really have are 2 American bison, 2 grants zebras, a reticulated giraffe, (on lease only for the summer months) a few lemurs, many goats, 2 wallabies, 2 African Sucalta tortoises, 2 dromedary camels, some llamas, 2 donkeys, and a few birds. You can also purchase a bucket of food to feed a limited amount of animals. Overall, I think it's way overpriced, the staff aren't treated too well nor are they happe, and they're so little animals for the amount of money you spend. I think it's a waste of money but if you really would like to go, feel free to because there are some positives. There is a place which is also in Manorville, about 5 minutes from the game farm called the Animal Farm Petting zoo. They have a decent collection of animals and it's more well-kept and cheaper. They don't have a giraffe, bison, or lemurs, but they do have a dromedary camel which you can pet and feed, a family of snow monkeys, and a few other exotics. If you really want to go to a nice place, I strongly recommend the Long Island Aquarium. The staff are treated phenomenally (I currently work there) and I think it's worth the money. They have a great collection of aquatics and they have a few exotics mixed in like snow monkeys, butterflies, some lizards, and marmosets. Not to mention the penguins, sea lions, and other aquatic mammals and birds you may find. I hope this is informative.
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I know this was made a year ago, but I'm glad you noted this. The enclosures are clearly run down, and it's truly sad. As a kid, I loved visiting and everything looked very well-kept and sorted out. But now it's more of a roadside zoo. I'm honestly not sure on what the farms future is, especially with the recent passing of Bobo the giraffe. I'm very sorry on how you were treated there when you volunteered, and nothing can really make up for that, but I'm glad you work at somewhere much better now! The LI Aquarium is a place ago atleast 4 times a month, it never gets old. The quality of the exhibits and overall building is great too. I wish it was more popular, I feel like it's very underrated for what it truly is. I would also reccomend the Holstville Ecology Site, they have a nice array of animals. Some enclosures need little upgrades but a lot has been added over the months.
 
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Piece of April 2024 News Not Mentioned:

On April 20th, the zoo announced they acquired 2 capybaras which are on exhibit.

Meet our newest residents at the Game Farm, CAPYBARAS! ✨ We are open to new name suggestions! Capybaras are the worlds largest rodent, weighing between 77 to 150 pounds! They are semiaquatic mammals, native to South America. An adult Capybara can we about 6-8 pounds of grass per day! Come by and say hi to our new members at the farm, we are OPEN Thursday through Sunday from 10am - 4pm! ⏰ Weather Permitting! We will also be open for Spring Recess from the 22nd through the 26th of April! We are looking forward to the season ahead, we hope to spend it with you! #LongIsland #DiscoverLongIsland #DiscoverLI #LongIslandNY #NewYorkTravel #NewYorkTravelGuide #NYC #NYTravel #VisitNewYork #ThingsToDoonLongIsland #KidFriendly #KidFriendlyActivities #LearningForKids #FamilyTime #AnimalLover #KidsLearning #LongIslandKids #NewYorkKids #Wildlifepark #Zoo #Farm #V.I.PTour #V.I.P #Hamptons #capybara #capybaras | Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo | Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo · Original audio

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On May 10th, the zoo announced that 2 domestic goats (breed not specified) were born.

Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo
SusScrofa said:
A USDA report on Bobo the Giraffes passing indicates he was suffering from malnutrition and other issues caused by the game farm.
Giraffe Who Died At LI Game Farm Lacked Heat, Proper Nutrition: USDA

Long Island really does deserve a real and proper zoo.
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On May 1st, the zoo released their own statement, stating that the giraffe was suffering from malnutrition as a result of heavy parasitic load resistant to medication, not starvation as well as noting that their current giraffe barn is kept well over 60 degrees and at Bobo's passing in early October, it was only around 58 degrees outside. The facility also was initially told at first that Bobo passed away because of heart failure, though later tests were deemed inconclusive. A following USDA inspection conducted at the facility on April 17th showed 0 violations.

Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo
 
On July 17th, it was reported that the zoo acquired 2 camels (species not specified) named Bear and Chuck from an unspecified facility in Missouri which are now on display in the former giraffe exhibit.

What's new at the Long Island Game Farm and aquarium for summer 2024

On June 10th, the zoo announced they acquired 2+? Madagascar hissing cockroaches which are animal ambassadors.

Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo
What's new at the Long Island Game Farm and aquarium for summer 2024

On July 15th, the zoo announced they renovated the Susan M. Novak Stage area which is now open to the public.

Long Island Game Farm - Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo
 
 
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