About
's Jungle in West Islip, New York has been a Long Island fixture for decades, known for its enormous variety of animals — from freshwater and saltwater fish to birds, reptiles, turtles, ferrets, and even a resident 20-year-old crow that greeted visitors for years. The store packed an impressive amount of life under one roof, offering tanks of tropical fish alongside terrariums full of ball pythons, red-eared sliders, and lizards, plus shelves of aquarium equipment and accessories. 's legacy is complicated.
Long-time customers recall the original location fondly and praise the sheer breadth of species available — reviewers consistently note the vast selection of aquatic life as a standout. Some visitors found helpful, knowledgeable staff who could answer questions about fish care on the spot. But a significant number of reviews paint a troubling picture.
Multiple customers reported purchasing sick animals — ball pythons with mites, a red-eared slider with a respiratory infection — and described reptile enclosures with poor humidity, overcrowding, and untreated injuries. Freshwater fish tanks were described by some as dirty, with dead fish visible and others stuck to filters. Pricing drew complaints too, with reports of inconsistent and inflated prices on both livestock and equipment like filters.
's Jungle is in the process of closing its doors permanently, with discounted prices on remaining inventory and animals. The closure marks the end of an era for a store that many West Islip families grew up visiting. Some mourn the loss of a unique local institution; others feel the closure was overdue given repeated concerns about animal welfare that led to reports to local authorities and the USDA.
's in its prime — the sprawling aisles, the exotic creatures, the sense of walking into a genuine jungle of pets — the shop's final chapter carries real weight, even if its later years were marked by controversy.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Decades-old West Islip pet and fish store with massive variety of animals
- Carried both freshwater and saltwater fish species from around the world
- Featured birds, reptiles, turtles, ferrets, and a resident 20-year-old crow
- Currently closing permanently with discounted inventory
- Significant customer concerns about animal health and enclosure conditions
From keepers
Customer reviews
“It is so sad to see that this store which has been around forever is closing down, this place brings back so many memories of so many unique animals and top notch customer service and animal care. Wishing them the best on their next chapter, you guys will definitely be missed 🙏”
— Kay Cee5.02 weeks ago“They are closing their doors and anxious to just get rid of pets. Selling animals and not giving good care instructions.”
— Dawn Russ2.03 weeks ago“This is a place with so many different pets to choose, as well as so many different products needed for your pets. I recently went to look around and btj has been around for a very long time they're now unfortunately closing 😢 💔 they said as of 1/11/2026 I was told they will be open only for a few more weeks they're selling everything at discounted prices so if you need something for your pet go check out their inventory”
— Marly Nganjie5.03 weeks ago“Sad to hear it's going out of business as it has a very vast selection of all types of aquatic life.”
— Alan L Montague Sr5.0a month ago“Always a new question about my fish. They always have the answer!”
— Dana McNamee5.0a month ago“Thank you guys.”
— Volquez Family5.0a month ago“This place has many animals, birds, aquatics and reptiles. Its a family business which is closing, I would watch out if you get reptiles since most had mites. The filters were more expensive than anywhere else I seen. I would say stop in to see a collection of animals but be careful on what you choose. They are also closing for good soon”
— J Beast2.0a month ago“I bought flightless fruitflies from here. When I got home and opened the container, they all flew out all over my house.”
— Jairon Dubon3.02 months ago“bad treatment of animals do not go here”
— s L1.02 months ago“Employees have zero personality, take it or leave it attitudes”
— Jack C.2.02 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (631) 587-8191 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting B.T.J.'s Jungle.