3 Palms Zoo & Education Center

âœĻ 100,000+ Festive Lights ☕ Hot Cocoa & S'mores 🎅 Visits with Santa
A Rescue Sanctuary

We aren’t your typical zoo. We are a dedicated rescue sanctuary for the forgotten, the surrendered, and the non-releasable. From former exotic pets to native wildlife transferred by local rehabilitators, every animal here has a unique story. We provide the lifelong care they deserve, and they are eager to meet you.

SORRY, WE'RE
CURRENTLY CLOSED
OPENS SATURDAY AT 9:00 AM
Tomorrow: 9 am - 3 pm
Tickets: $6.00 Admission
🌧ïļ 56°F (Tomorrow: High 56° / Low 44°)
⛅ While we're open tomorrow: Temps will climb from 50°F to a high of 56°F. Expect overcast skies with winds up to 16 mph and a 1% chance of precipitation.
"Our diamondback terrapin crew loves gliding through brackish water with serious style. Why does this webbed-foot crew shine so brightly in their pond? Plan a visit to meet the terrapin crew!"
Daily Zoo Snapshot
👆 Tap to reveal answer!
Because their shell patterns are a real gem!

ðŸĨ• Farm Friends

Hand-feed our friendly residents! Food is just $1 per scoop. Want to meet them first? Take a look at Delaware's hands-on petting zoo.

  • The Greeters: Llamas, Goats, Cows, Sheep, & Mini Pigs.
  • Free-Range: Turkeys, Chickens, Ducks, Geese & Peacocks.
  • Big Bird: Our curious Emu!

ðŸū The Cute Factor

Meet the animals that steal everyone's hearts. Prairie dogs on the move, rabbits ready for gentle hellos, and tortoises that love a scratch.

  • Prairie Dogs: Adorable, active, and super friendly!
  • Rabbits: Soft, sweet, and ready for gentle hellos.
  • Giant Tortoises: Slow-moving giants that love a scratch.

ðŸĶŠ Wildlife Rescue

Captive-raised & unreleasable wildlife with a forever home — four kinds of foxes, native owls and vultures, and Delaware's only alligator.

  • Foxes: Silver, Leucistic, Red, and Gray Foxes.
  • Natives: Screech Owl, Black Vultures, and Native Turtles.
  • Exotics: Delaware's ONLY Alligator exhibit!

ðŸĶĒ Aquatic Fun

A bustling hub for birdwatching and relaxing. Pete the pelican holds court on the pond while geese, ducks, and herons drift through all day.

  • The Ambassador: Pete, our beloved rescued Brown Pelican.
  • Waterfowl: Domestic, Canada & Cackling Geese, Muscovy Ducks.
  • Wild Guests: Mallards, Blue Herons, Killdeer.

🎉 Planning a birthday party or a school field trip? We host those too — right here with the animals.

Start Your Adventure

Most of our animals can be safely fed right from the palm of your hand. Come discover why 3 Palms is a unique experience you won't forget.