Popular Seasonal Exhibit Returns at Aquarium.

(Riverhead, N.Y.) Atlantis Marine World is happy to welcome back Gator Invasion, a special two-month exhibition opening on Saturday, July 3, that will be home to several reptiles from Southeastern Florida.
 
The nearly 900-square foot exhibit will house five six-foot-long American alligators, along with several two-foot-long baby American alligators and one crocodile, obtained from Gatorama (http://www.gatorama.com) , the largest gator farm in Florida, located in the city of Palmdale.
 
Their trainer, Ben Register, will be on hand all summer to answer questions and share stories about the animals, as well as hold a series of scheduled interactive shows and talks.
 
The daily schedule is as follows:
Gator Invasion Show (no shows on Mondays): 12:15pm and 3:15pm
Baby Gator Bites (Talk & Opportunity for the Public to Hold Reptiles): 11:15am, 12:30pm, 2:15pm, and 3:30pm
 
“We believe that families will be staying closer to home this summer,” explains Aquarium General Manager, Bryan DeLuca. “So if families aren’t going to Florida, then we’re bringing a bit of Florida to Long Island by building an exhibit featuring their most recognizable animal – the gator!”
 
Gator Invasion runs through September 5. The Aquarium is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Fun Facts about the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis):

• The alligator is one animal that has changed very little since prehistoric days. Unlike the extinct dinosaur, the alligator continues to prosper.
• Although the alligator is the official state reptile of Florida, the largest recorded specimen was actually found in neighboring state, Louisiana, and measured 19.8 feet! It should be noted that this size is unsubstantiated, and, as such, held in question.
• Found in both natural and man-made freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetland areas within the southeastern United States, this cold-blooded reptile must change locations to adjust its body temperature. When they get too hot, they will open their mouths to release heat, showing off their pointy teeth
• There are approximately 80 razor-sharp teeth in their mouth at one time. When they wear down, they are replaced. In fact, an alligator can go through up to 3,000 teeth in a lifetime!
• Alligators can eat almost anything, yet can survive for nearly a year without food. When they do eat, they swallow their food whole, with their strong digestive acids completely dissolving bones and turtle shells.
• Their jaws can crush at 3,000 pounds per-square-inch!

About Atlantis Marine World Aquarium
Atlantis Marine World (AMW), now celebrating its 10th birthday, opened in Riverhead, NY on June 15, 2000, as the first large-scale Aquarium to open in New York State in more than 35 years. Situated on 3.2 acres along the Peconic River, AMW is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily (closed December 25). General Admission Rates  are $18.50 (plus tax) for Children 3 – 17 and Seniors 62+; $21.50 (plus tax) for Adults 18 – 61; Children 2 and under are always free at AMW. AMW is also the home of The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, New York’s only authorized marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center. Atlantis Marine World was recently ranked by Parents Magazine as one of the “Top Aquariums for Kids.”

Check out our website at http://www.atlantismarineworld.com.