After nearly 60 years in business, BTJ’s Jungle in West Islip, a staple for generations of Long Island pet owners, will close its doors early next year, longtime owners of the family business said on Wednesday.

BTJ’s — which stands for Bill, Tom and John’s — known for its giant shark hanging from the ceiling and its wide selection of reptiles, fish and small mammals, will close for good by Feb. 1, said John Niehoff, co-owner of the family-owned and operated shop.

"It’s going to be hard," said Niehoff, 74, whose parents opened the store in 1969. Niehoff, who co-owns the business with his older brothers, Bill and Tom, said a big part of the decision to close was the aging owners' health.

"My brothers are 77 and almost 80," he said. "We all have health issues and this, that and the other."

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