Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center
 | |
| Date opened | June 15, 2000[1] |
|---|---|
| Location | Riverhead, New York, United States |
| Coordinates | 40°55′04″N 72°39′23″W / 40.917874°N 72.656407°WCoordinates: 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) |
| Public transit access | Riverhead station |
| Website |
www |
Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center (formerly Atlantis Marine World) is an aquarium which opened in 2000 on Long Island in Riverhead, New York, United States.
One of its biggest attractions is a 20,000-US-gallon (76,000 l) coral reef display tank, which is one of the largest all-living coral displays in the Western Hemisphere.[2]
History
Construction on the Aquarium began in 1999, and it opened on June 15, 2000. The Town of Riverhead bought the land in 1995 with the hopes the Okeanos Foundation of Hampton Bays, New York would operate it as part of a rehabilitation project of the Peconic waterfront. However, Okeanos was unable to raise funds. Space has been given in the Aquarium to the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation.
The Aquarium's original cost of $15 million was provided by developers James J. Bissett and Joseph M. Petrocelli.[3] Bissett's family owns the Bissett Nursery in Holtsville, New York. Petrocelli's family owns Petrocelli Construction based in Ronkonkoma, New York, as well as Raphael Vineyard.
On July 1, 2011, it changed its name to Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center after undergoing a $24 million expansion including a brand-new Exhibition Center, a 28,000-square-foot (2,600 m2) Sea Star Grand Ballroom (which joined its successful catering component, Atlantis Banquets & Events), as well as construction of a 100-room waterfront Hyatt Place Hotel.[4] The Aquarium also owns and operates a 120-slip marina called Treasure Cove Resort Marina. The Aquarium was featured in the 5th season of The Apprentice.
Exhibits
Indoor exhibits include Amazon Aviary (parrots), Amazon Rainforest, Best Buddies (clownfish & anemone), Coral Reef, Cuttlefish, Electric Eel, Flounder Find, Form & Function, Giant Pacific Octopus, Jellyfish, Lake Malawi Cichlids, Local Rocky Shores, Lost City of Atlantis Shark Exhibit, Megalodon Display, Moray Eels, Ocean Creatures of the World/Crab Villa, Piranha, Poseidon's Treasure Room, Puffer Fish, Ray Bay, Sand Shark Lagoon, Schooling Fish, Seahorses, Shipwreck/Artificial Reef, Tidal Marsh, and a touch tank.[5]
Outdoor exhibits include Ancient Reptile Ruins, Koi Pond, Interactive Salt Marsh, Lost Temple of Atlantis, Otter Falls (North American river otters), Penguin Pavilion, Ray Bay, Sea Lion Coliseum, Seals, and Shark Reef Lagoon.[6]
Interactive displays include Discovery Tower, Interactive Salt Marsh, Nemo's Family Fun Center, Poseidon's Peak & Playground, Ray Bay, Sea Lion Kiss, Submarine Simulator, Unearthing Atlantis, and the touch tank.[7]
References
- ↑ "Facts & History". atlantismarineworld.com. Atlantis Marine World. Retrieved 14 May 2010.
- ↑ Fischler, Marcelle S. (2004-08-29). "Museumus Peconicus, an Evolving Species". nytimes.com. New York Times. Retrieved 2009-08-29.
- ↑ Shaman, Diana (2000-01-09). "Two Hamlets Pin Downtown Hopes on Aquariums". nytimes.com. New York Times. Retrieved 2009-08-29.
- ↑ http://www.27east.com/news/article.cfm/General-Interest/387900/Atlantis-Marine-World-Expands-And-Changes-Name
- ↑ "Indoor Exhibits". atlantismarineworld.com. Atlantis Marine World. Retrieved 14 May 2010.
- ↑ "Outdoor Exhibits". atlantismarineworld.com. Atlantis Marine World. Retrieved 14 May 2010.
- ↑ "Interactive Experiences". atlantismarineworld.com. Atlantis Marine World. Retrieved 14 May 2010.