Ever since my son was about 3 months old, we have been a member of the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. At first it was a great place to get out as a new mom. It was stroller friendly, offered interesting things to see both indoors and outdoors, and it felt great to have a place to go. It was great for my son because he got exposed to something other than the 4 walls of our living room and he enjoyed seeing all the brightly colored fish. Flash forward to now and my son just turned 5 years old and of course he now has a sister who is 3.5. I have made so many wonderful memories at the Long Island Aquarium over the years! We have enjoyed play dates with our friends, learning about all of their underwater creatures and other animals such as monkeys, penguins, sea lions, and reptiles. We have attended their Mother's Day Brunch, Princess Tea Parties, and just wondered around many afternoons. My son's favorite is the shark tank which has an amazing array of sharks and is so cool to feel like you're in the tank with them. My daughter and I adore the sea lions, seals, and otters. Their sea lion show is a must-do.
When I heard that the aquarium was hurting (much like everyone else, unfortunately), I had to make a donation. I am sure my family and I would have had a recent visit and I donated the amount I think we would have spent on lunch, souvenirs, etc.
There are many ways you can support the aquarium during this time! Read below for several different ways.
GO FUND ME FOR THE LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM
The Long Island Aquarium is soliciting donations via GoFundMe to assist them during the coronavirus pandemic. The Aquarium is currently closed to the public per the New York state mandate and the attempt to slow the spread of the illness, eliminating approximately 60,000 visitors and incoming revenue during this time of the closure. The fundraising page can be found here: gf.me/u/xrxtsd
With a collection of thousands of unique species to feed, the aquarium must keep operations going to sustain all the animals in the collection. Their team of skilled and trained animal caretakers are considered essential employees who report to work each day on split shifts to feed, provide medication, ensure life support is maintained and care and clean for all the animal’s habitats. As an aquarium, they have tanks that run on electricity all day and night with most tanks being chilled and others being heated to meet the species’ needs. As a privately owned facility, they are not eligible for government funding, or discounts from the utility companies, they must generate revenue to continue critical routine operations.
The Aquarium continues to help support the New York Marine Rescue Center, which is a hospital located in the Aquarium facility. The Rescue Center currently houses 30 endangered sea turtles and 5 seals all who have been brought to the facility for urgent and prolonged care. For 20 years, the aquarium has assisted the NY Marine Rescue Center (formerly known as the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation) and 50% of GoFundMe donations received will go to the center for the care of these injured and sick animals.
The Long Island Aquarium’s GoFundMe campaign, launched on March 20th has reached 5% of their goal of $25,000. Those generous donations from the community will help with the approximately $18,000 per week expenses for animal care.
To schedule interviews with Executive Director, Bryan DeLuca, call or email the contact information above.
Please support the Riverhead Aquarium if possible! Donate here: Go Fund Me Page for the Long Island Aquarium If you would have visited during this time just think of how much you might have spent on your visit and consider donating that same amount! |
Thank you from the Long Island Aquarium (and their sea lion Java) for your support during this trying time!
BUY A MEMBERSHIP AND GET SOME PERKS
Membership makes sense on a normal day to get for the Long Island Aquarium and often pays for itself in just a few visits. You also get a discount at the cafe and the gift shop, which we always use. Members also receive a discount for various events and activities. If you buy a membership now, it will start from the day of your first visit for the next consecutive 12 months. So if you purchase one today, but can't visit until July, your membership would start at that first visit in July. For those that purchase a new family membership, you will receive 2 additional admission tickets for friends or family to use.
To find out more about memberships and how much they cost, please visit this website: https://www.longislandaquarium.com/purchase-tickets/membership/
SUPPLY PACKAGES AVAILABLE
Long Island Aquarium & Atlantis Banquets and Events supply packages available for family and friends.
Orders must be received by 2pm Monday and will be available for pick up after 2pm Tuesday .
Please call 934-451-8010 for orders or email dlanieri@amwny.com
Meat | Dairy | Produce |
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Breads | Misc Items | Raphael Wines |
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Please ask for special requests, additional cuts of beef, vegetables, pasta and bread can be available. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please visit: https://www.longislandaquarium.com/supply-packages-available-for-family-friends/
DISCOUNTED OVERNIGHT HOTEL AQUARIUM PACKAGES
Right next door to the aquarium is the Hyatt Place Hotel. This special package includes:
- Overnight accommodations
- Four tickets to the Long Island Aquarium (2 adults 2 children)
- Two 2-hour double canoe or kayak rentals, courtesy of LI Canoe Kayak Rentals
- Four tickets for the LI Aquarium Tour Boat
- $20 coupon for lunch at the Atlantis Cafe
- Two $5 game cards for the Atlantis Arcade
- Late check out when available
- Complimentary breakfast for four
- Complimentary overnight parking
This package typically starts at $530 but this has been discounted to only $265!
This offer is good though 4/12! - For more information click here: https://www.longislandaquarium.com/hotel-packages/
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About Long Island Aquarium
This privately-owned aquarium features one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, numerous touch tanks, butterflies from all over the world, and more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences, including Butterflies & Birds, Shark Dive, Penguin Encounter, Pirate Snorkel, Shark Keeper, and more! Located in Riverhead, on the east end of Long Island, guests are encouraged to learn about what lives within the local waters, with exhibits showcasing local flora and fauna, as well as exotic, tropical displays. Named a Top 10 Aquarium for children by Parents Magazine, Long Island Aquarium is open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm year-round (Closed Christmas & Thanksgiving Days). You can add to the fun with an overnight stay at the waterfront Hyatt Place Long Island/East End located adjacent to the Aquarium property. For more information, please visit www.LongIslandAquarium.com
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