by Debbie Tuma • photos courtesy of LI Game Farm
The Long Island Game Farm, located in Manorville, is kicking off its 55th Anniversary on Saturday, May 3 at 10am, with a day-long schedule of fun activities for the whole family. The rain date is Sunday, May 4 at 10am. Master of Ceremonies for the day will be former News 12 anchor and reporter Doug Geed, who is a longtime supporter of the game farm. “The Long Island Game Farm was one of our island’s first tourist attractions, and it remains one of our most treasured landmarks,” he said.
The kick-off will include a ribbon cutting ceremony of the Woodland Trail, a universal access trail suitable for wheelchairs. The trail renovation was made possible with funds from Suffolk County Jumpstart program. The ribbon cutting ceremony will open Woodland Trail for the start of the Trail Trot & Animal Antics, a non-competitive run/walk through the trail followed by the animal inspired antics for the children.
Game Farm Director Greg Drossel will lead groups on a Woodland Trail Walk while he shares the Game Farm vision for the trail. Artist Tonito Valderra will invite attendees to participate in the creation of The Great Nest of Life Installation Project, an interactive nature sculpture celebrating birds of Long Island. Nick Jacinto will talk about his animals and his upcoming “Weekends with Nature Nick” at the Game Farm. Long Island Landscape Photographer and conservation advocate Anthony Graziano will discuss his work and upcoming photo and I-phone photography classes at the Game Farm.
Local Long Island songwriters and the Eastport South Manor Junior High Orchestra will perform on the new Susan M. Novak Stage. Also on the new stage will be the introduction of “Songbird Sessions,” local and individual singer songwriters and national touring artists who will perform. These programs will be going on all summer, from June through September. These Songbird Sessions are presented by the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, a non-profit founded in 2023 to ensure the longevity of the Long Island Game Farm.
“Wildlife Sustainability connects people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to further the conservation efforts of the Game Farm,” said Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability Executive Director Patricia Snyder. “This non-profit brings complimentary programs to the farm, such as Eagle Scout and Girl Scout projects, and educational and wellness programs.”
At the kick-off celebration, there will also be an Open House where guests can meet the Game Farm Team, Camp Counselors, and partners to learn about what’s new at the farm this year.
The Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo was founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak. As the largest combined children’s zoo and wildlife park on Long Island, they offer families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and environment.
Long Island Game Farm President Melinda Novak said, “It’s hard to believe it’s been 55 years since my family moved to Manorville and created the Long Island Game Farm. I’m happy to be honoring my parents by sharing this accomplishment with the people of Long Island. I am grateful to Suffolk County for making our Trail and new stage possible through Jumpstart funds.”
The game farm is on 27 acres with animals including camels, zebras, tortoises, peacocks, Lemur, foxes, lamas, emus, alpaca, and farm animals. Discounted admission for the kick-off day is $15 per person for all, under 2 years free. For information visit www.longislandgamefarm.com
