After being closed due to COVID-19, the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve will re-open to the public on Monday, September 28, according to a statement released by the Town of Brookhaven.
The wildlife and animal preserve is a handicapped accessible park that has more than 100 injured or non-releasable wild animals and farm animals available for viewing. The site is located on a reclaimed landfill that was closed in 1974.
Brookhaven residents are required to make free, online reservations to book a visit. At this time, only Brookhaven Town residents with reservations and proof of residency will be permitted to enter. Masks are required. The park will follow COVID-19 safety precautions with limited admissions and social distancing measures in place to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff.
The animal preserve will be open Monday through Friday with eight sessions available for reservations each day: 9am, 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am, 12:45pm, 1:15pm, 1:45pm, and 2:15pm. It will be closed for cleaning and sanitizing in between the morning and afternoon sessions.
Animals available for viewing at this time include: Alpaca, Arctic Fox, Bald Eagle, Bobcat, Boer Goats, Buffalo, Coatimundi, Hybrid Fox, Hybrid Wolves, Llama, Mini Pigs, Nubian Goats, other Goats, Pine Martin, Prairie Dogs, Rabbits, Red Fox, Red Tail Hawk, and Skunk.
The information center and greenhouses ont he site will not be open but access to bathrooms will be available.