Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center facts for kids
 |
|
| Date opened | June 15, 2000 |
|---|---|
| Location | Riverhead, New York, United States |
| Coordinates | 40°55′04″N 72°39′23″W / 40.917874°N 72.656407°W |
| Volume of largest tank | 120,000 US gallons (450,000 L) |
The Long Island Aquarium is an exciting aquarium located in Riverhead (town), New York, United States. It first opened its doors on June 15, 2000. Before its current name, it was known as Atlantis Marine World.
One of the aquarium's most amazing features is its giant coral reef display tank. This tank holds 20,000 gallons of water! It is one of the largest displays of living coral in the entire Western Hemisphere.
Contents
A Look Back: How the Aquarium Started
Construction for the aquarium began in 1999. It officially opened to the public on June 15, 2000. The town of Riverhead bought the land in 1995. They hoped a group called the Okeanos Foundation would help run the aquarium. This was part of a bigger plan to improve the Peconic waterfront area.
The original cost to build the aquarium was about $15 million. This money was provided by developers James J. Bissett and Joseph M. Petrocelli. The aquarium also provides space for the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation. This group helps rescue and care for marine animals.
New Name and Big Changes
On July 1, 2011, the aquarium changed its name. It became the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center. This change came after a huge expansion project that cost $24 million.
The expansion added many new things. It included a brand-new Exhibition Center. A large ballroom called the Sea Star Grand Ballroom was also built. This ballroom is used for events and parties. The aquarium also owns and runs a marina with 120 boat slips. It is called Treasure Cove Resort Marina. The aquarium even appeared on the TV show The Apprentice!
Exploring the Exhibits: What You Can See
The Long Island Aquarium has many different exhibits. You can see animals from all over the world. There are both indoor and outdoor areas to explore.
Indoor Wonders: Animals Inside
Inside the aquarium, you can discover many fascinating creatures. Some popular indoor exhibits include:
- Amazon Rainforest: See animals and plants from this famous jungle.
- American Alligators: Get up close with these large reptiles.
- Best Buddies: Watch clownfish swimming safely in a sea anemone.
- Birds, Bugs and Butterflies Exhibit: A colorful display of flying creatures.
- Coral Reef: This is one of the biggest living coral displays in the Western Hemisphere.
- Electric Eel: Learn how these unique fish create electricity.
- Giant Pacific Octopus: See this smart and mysterious creature.
- Jellyfish: Watch these graceful, pulsing animals float by.
- Lost City of Atlantis Shark Exhibit: Discover different types of sharks.
- Marmosets: Meet these tiny, playful monkeys.
- Moray Eels: Look for these long, snake-like fish hiding in rocks.
- Piranha: See these famous fish known for their sharp teeth.
- Ray Bay: A special tank where you can see different kinds of rays.
- Sand Shark Lagoon: Another area to observe sharks.
- Seahorses: Watch these delicate and unique fish.
- Shipwreck/Artificial Reef: See what lives around a sunken ship.
- Turtle Bay: Home to various turtles like Australian snake-necked turtles and red-eared sliders.
Outdoor Adventures: Animals Outside
Outside, you can find even more animals in their special habitats:
- Ancient Reptile Ruins: Home to reptiles like green tree pythons.
- Creatures of the Night: See animals that are active after dark.
- Gator Invasion: Another chance to see alligators.
- Koi Pond: A peaceful pond filled with colorful koi fish.
- Lost Temple of Atlantis: Watch Japanese snow monkeys play.
- Otter Falls: Observe playful North American river otters.
- Penguin Pavilion: Meet the adorable African penguins.
- Sea Lion Coliseum: Watch sea lions perform and play.
- Seals and Critter Corner: See different types of seals and other small animals.
Interactive Fun: Get Involved!
The aquarium also has many interactive displays where you can learn by doing:
- Interactive Salt Marsh: Explore a marsh habitat.
- Ray Bay: You might even get to touch a ray!
- Sea Lion Kiss: A special experience where you can get a "kiss" from a sea lion.
- Submarine Simulator: Feel like you're exploring the ocean depths.
- Hands-on Touch Tank: Gently touch some marine creatures.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Acuario y centro de exhibiciones de Long Island para niños
