Shocking (and shockingly wonderful) but true: there’s more to Long Island’s wildlife than just seagulls and crabs — much more. At Manorville, New York’s Long Island Game Farm, tigers, gators and a giraffe named Jack all share top billing for the visitors who flock there. You’ll also get a good look at ostriches, peacocks and kinkajou. They have some of those sweet-looking honey bears, too.
In addition to truly wild wildlife, the Game Farm features shows and rides to entertain all ages. Take a spin on the tea cups, ride the Rio Grande Train circuit and, as any child who grew up in the area knows, you must save time to take at least one ride on the antique carousel.
Once your family stops spinning, take a seat and watch an animal show, or if there are any baby animals around, get in on the naming action — last summer kids got the chance to help name a baby bison and a coatis. What’s a coatis? Well, get to the zoo and you’ll find out. Then it’s back to the animals for some hand feeding (an experience guaranteed to delight the wee ones) or head to the nursery for the bottle feedings. Imagine your toddler’s delight when a pony tickles her palm with its tongue.
First opened in 1970, the Game Farm is still family-owned and -operated by the people who got it all going. In town for longer than a long weekend? Your kids will go crazy for the chance to spend a full week at the Camp Zoo.