Located at 489 Chapman Boulevard in Manorville, NY, there's a sanctuary filled with magical experiences for all ages. Long Island Game Farm was started 54 years ago by Stanley and Diane Novak. This place of wonder holds so many amazing creatures from all over the world. From wallabies to alpacas to zebras to Bobo the giraffe you are sure to walk away with unforgettable memories. This is not just a zoo but also a wildlife rescue center.
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My family and I had the pleasure of a VIP Private tour with Melinda Novak. She grew up on the Game Farm, briefly moved to Sag Harbor where she had her daughter Chela, and recently after the passing of her parents and Melinda's sister at the young age of 36; she returned to the Game Farm to continue the magic.
Upon entering the Game Farm there is a lovely check in station where you can purchase tickets and food to feed the animals. Animals that are able to eat the feed are clearly marked. Animals that have more specific dietary needs are clearly marked as DO NOT FEED.
We started our adventure at Bambi Land where we were surrounded by beautiful young deer who were not afraid of us at all. They were eager to eat and non aggressive. My youngest loves animals so he was in his glory! My other two older children were a little more cautious but it didn't take long for them to warm up!
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We had the pleasure of meeting a charming cockatoo named Gomez who talked and danced to "we will rock you". Then it was off to the goats! These goats were SO CUTE! We fed them baby bottles that they couldn't get enough of. I don't know who was happier us or the goats haha!
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Now for the most unforgettable moment, Melinda took us to the Giraffe Experience where we were able to get up close and feed Bobo the giraffe. He was tall, gorgeous, friendly, and absolutely LOVES Melinda. This is a big photo opportunity that I HIGHLY recommend. He was so majestic, he ate lettuce from our hands, his tongue was blue and felt soft. My older kids finally came around and fed him. It was our family's favorite memory from our trip.
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Other unforgettable animals include zebras, lemurs, squirrel monkeys, and Stanley the fox who is lovingly named after Melinda's father. These animals come to the Game Farm for many reasons. Some are living in zoos that can no longer care for them. Some are purchased from other zoos. Some were pets who's owners passed or they did not have the finances to take care of them any longer. Others are there because their owners or facilities were impacted financially by the covid pandemic shut down and they needed some place to go.
Something I noticed during our tour that no matter what animal we were visiting, they lit up once they saw Melinda. They very clearly genuinely love her and are relaxed and comfortable when they see her. Her bond with these animals is very heart warming.
Much like other wildlife refuges, the Long Island Game Farm needs funding to continue to care for and take in animals that are displaced and in need of a home. Luckily with the new addition of a heated indoor learning space and bathroom; the Long Island Game Farm is now able to be open YEAR ROUND. Proceeds from ticket sales, food purchases, gift shop items, and more all go towards providing a safe and appropriate environment for these animals.
For more information, to plan your visit, adopt an animal, or just see what else the Long Island Game Farm has to offer, go to: https://www.longislandgamefarm.com
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Macaroni KID Hamptons Take Aways
- The Long Island Game Farm is easy to get to
- Definitely wear sneakers
- Hand washing stations are easily accessible
- Refreshment stations are reasonably priced with a lot of outdoor seating available
- Restrooms are very clean
- Feed buckets are very large and last through your entire walk through the park
- The Long Island Game Farm website is filled with SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES to plan an unforgettable adventure such as birthday parties, field trips, family passes, season passes, mobile zoo and more!
Our family can not wait to go back! Hope to see you there! Stay wild!
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