Address
249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, NY 11742
Phone Number
(631) 758 - 9664
Date Visited
09/03/2015
Website
Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center
Description
The Holtsville Ecology Cente located on Buckley Road in Holtsville, NY The paved parking lot has three (?) handicapped spaces. It is difficult to see the lines.The walkways in the zoo area are paved. The areas are not flat, but it is not difficult to get up and down the several inclined sections.
There are benches throughout.
Multi-stall, handicapped-accessible restrooms are not in the zoo area. They are near the playground and picnic area.
Outside food is not allowed, due to the careful diets of the animals. Feed for the goats can be purchased at a machine.
A concession stand near the playground seems to be open only when the pool is open.
- Surface of lot: paved (in need of repair)
Distance to venue: close
Terrain: flat
Paths and walkways: concrete
Doors: this is a zoo
Width of aisles: wide walkways
Places to sit: benches
Location of restrooms: near the playground
Type of restroom: multi-stall, handicapped-accessible
Ease of entry and exit: doors were open
Baby changing station: no
Available food services: concession stand - not open
Friendliness of staff: pleasant
The beginning of September brought us to the Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center. I had read on the website that it is “…home to over 100 injured or non-releasable wild and farm animals that are available for viewing.” What we found was a sweet, zoo-like environment that seems to be perfect for an introduction to a wide variety of animals. Among them are goats, llamas, owls, an eagle, bobcat, emu, mini horses, and even the famous “Holtsville Hal,” (the groundhog that people flock to see on Groundhog Day). Interesting, easy to read, facts about each of the inhabitants (including where they came from and why they are here) can be found on their habitats. Some of the children we saw obviously had been here multiple times and had their favorites to visit. Don’t bring any food for the animals! No outside food is allowed due to the careful diets of the animals. If you feel the need to feed you can purchase feed for the goats.
We parked in the large, paved parking lot (which could use some repairs). I think there are three handicapped spaces, although it was hard to see the lines.
The zoo area is easy to navigate, with paved walkways and benches along the way. The area is not flat, but it is not difficult to get up and down the several sections that have an incline.
Unfortunately, the multi-stall, handicapped-accessible restrooms are located a bit away, near the playground and picnic area.
We were here on a weekday before Labor Day when many kids were already back in school. It was fairly empty. The person I spoke to said that it is never very crowded, even on weekends. I cannot guarantee that. What I can say is that this is a lovely place to bring the kids. The playground and picnic areas offer a pleasant way to spend even more time (see “Holtsville Park” listing).
A sign pointed to a concession stand near the playground stating that it was open. It was not. I suspect that it is only open when the pool is.
A variety of programs are available at the center. Be sure to check the website for information.
As always, we at Destination Accessible advise you to check a venue’s website, www.brookhaven.org/Departments/Highway-Department/Wildlife, when planning a visit, to “know before you go.”
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