Meet Our Animals | 3 Palms Rescue Zoo Exhibits

Farmyard & Petting Zoo

Domestic Chickens

The Flock: A colorful mix including everything from fluffy Polish to friendly Buff Orpingtons. Don't fear the flock—most of these ladies & gents are incredibly sweet and social, so feel free to get close and spoil them with plenty of treats!

White-faced Black Angus

Ariana, Mason, & Family: This gentle group is led by mom Ariana and dad Mason. Along with their youngsters Simon, Octavia, and Sampson, these White-faced Angus spend their days grazing and lounging in the sun as a close-knit herd.

Miniature Donkey

Dominick: A total fan favorite and our resident miniature Sicilian donkey! He is a massive fan of head rubs and attention, but watch your hands—this silly guy is known for "eating fingers for breakfast" if you get too close with your snacks!

Domestic Ducks

The Duck Crew: From the tall Blue Runners to the classic white Pekings, our diverse flock includes Rouens, Harlequins, Magpies, Swedish, and Khaki Campbells. These social water-lovers are happiest when splashing together or foraging for snacks around the pond.

Emu

Star: A gentle giant that truly loves attention. While known for her deep drumming sounds in the fall, she is best loved for her sweet nature and enjoyment of a good pet or treat from visitors.

Domestic Geese

Gus, Leroy, Goosifer, and Basil are our resident free range geese with big personalities. While Gus is always demanding treats and Leroy is looking for the ladies, Goosifer and Basil are the inseparable dynamic duo of the zoo grounds.

Goat Herd

The Herd is a high-energy mix of African Pygmy, Fainting, and Dwarf Nigerian goats. Don't let their small size fool you—these pint-sized climbers have huge personalities and love nothing more than causing a little mischief and greeting their fans.

Llamas

Baby & Tatiana: Adorable and curious llamas who love visitors.

Fun Fact: Contrary to public opinion, domestic llamas usually do not spit at people.

Mini Pigs

Emma, Toby, & Princess: Living proof that "teacup" pigs grow up! These smart and social sweethearts are always on the lookout for belly rubs and a friendly face—and yes, they happily accept pumpkin donations!

Domestic Rabbits

Carrot & Pop-Tart: These adorable new additions are already stealing hearts! Full of energy and curiosity, they are the friendliest little explorers you’ll ever meet—just be ready for some serious cuteness when you stop by to say hello.

Sheep

Rocky: Our resident fluffy favorite who never met a snack he didn't like! Rocky is incredibly social and gentle, always the first to trot over and say hello in hopes of a little attention and some of his favorite petting zoo treats.

Domestic Turkeys

The Turkey Trio: A group brimming with personality! Antioch and Selucas are our super friendly—and arguably slightly crazy—Eastern Wild turkeys who love to greet guests, while Winston the Royal Palm adds a handsome touch of elegance to the crew.

Native Wildlife & Exotic Rescues

Gracie

Gracie: A clever Silver Fox and former illegal pet who is the ultimate zoo greeter. She is best known for her enthusiastic "happy dance" whenever she spots a visitor, showing off her stunning black and silver-tipped coat and her joyful personality.

Gray Fox

Foxxy: Small but mighty! Foxxy is a bundle of energy who loves to show off the gray fox superpower—zooming up her enclosure like a cat to catch the best view of the zoo.

Leucistic Fox

Rufus the Sun Fox: A rare and stunning color mutation featuring a mix of orange and white fur, often paired with pale eyes and a signature pink nose. Rufus is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind supervisor who loves watching over the zoo from his favorite spots.

Red Fox

Todd: Our resident Red Fox is a bit of a wallflower! While he is naturally reserved and prefers to keep to himself, Todd has found a comfortable rhythm sharing his space with his young silver fox buddy, Ruscoe.

Silver Fox

The Silver Fox: A beautiful black and silver-tipped variation of the Red Fox, once highly prized for their unique coat. This observant supervisor is a striking presence at the zoo, always keeping a watchful and curious eye on everything happening around them.

Eastern Screech Owl

Sienna: While permanent nerve damage prevents her from returning to the wild, Sienna perfectly illustrates the camouflage mastery of the Eastern Screech Owl. With complex plumage patterns that mimic tree bark and distinctive "ear" tufts, she demonstrates how these small, elusive hunters can vanish into the forest canopy.

Peafowl

The Royal Court: Stunning Indian Blue peacocks showing off their vibrant, iridescent trains alongside our elegant white and pied peahens. These majestic birds are the true crown jewels of the zoo, always ready to strike a regal pose for their admirers!

Pigeons

The Racing Crew: Many of our pigeons are resilient "crashers"—former racing birds that lost their way or grew tired during their long journeys. Here at the zoo, they’ve traded the high-stakes skies for a permanent retirement, enjoying a life of leisure, companionship, and plenty of birdseed.

Silver Pheasant

The Silver Pheasant: A striking resident with silver-white plumage and a long, sweeping tail. While his feathers are native to the forests of Southeast Asia, his bold personality is all his own—he loves showing off his regal look for anyone passing by his enclosure.

Prairie Dogs

Chip & Dale: These burrowing buddies are always on lookout duty. Watch for their playful chirps and quick digging skills as they reshape their habitat daily!

Black Vulture

Lurch, Morticia, & Brandon: Proof that vultures are misunderstood! Lurch is our permanent resident, while Morticia and Brandon are free-flying success stories living full wild lives. They haven't forgotten us though—watch for them dropping in to visit Lurch and beg the keepers for a treat.

Reptiles & Water's Edge

American Alligators

Wendy & Mr. Smee: As Delaware's only American Alligators, this prehistoric pair is a true local legend! Whether they’re soaking up the sun or gliding through the water, Wendy and Mr. Smee are always a spectacular sight for those looking to see a bit of the swamp right here at home.

Canada Geese

The Canada Goose Crew: Our flock is a mix of imprinted owner surrenders and rescues with "angel wing." While they may not be able to fly, they have found a permanent home here where they are safe, social, and deeply loved by keepers and visitors alike.

Common Snapping Turtle

The Common Snapping Turtle: Often misunderstood as aggressive monsters, these reptiles are actually shy aquatic giants that prefer to flee rather than fight when in the water. With their prehistoric armored shells, massive claws, and long, snake-like tails, they look like living dinosaurs patrolling the murky depths of ponds and rivers.

Diamondback Terrapin

These stunning turtles are the only species in North America that thrive in the brackish waters of coastal marshes. Known for the beautiful, diamond-shaped patterns on their shells, they are graceful swimmers who bridge the gap between land and sea.

Eastern Box Turtle

Phoebe, Little Bill, & Bella: These special Eastern Box Turtles hold a dear place in our hearts, arriving from a devoted caregiver who cherished them for years. They live alongside our many other surrenders, each with their own unique patterns and resilient spirits, enjoying a safe and permanent home.

Eastern Painted Turtle

The Painted Parade: These striking turtles are easily identified by the bright red and yellow markings that look like they were hand-painted onto their shells. As common owner surrenders, they are the "classic" pond turtle, known for their love of long afternoon sunbathing sessions on any available log.

Leopard Tortoise

Ducky: Named for his unique way of moving, Ducky is a beautiful Leopard Tortoise who captures everyone’s attention with the intricate patterns on his shell. He is a slow-and-steady explorer who loves grazing on a variety of grasses and finding the perfect sun-drenched spot for a nap.

Muscovy Ducks

Walter, Psyduck, Bosco & Family: This resilient group of Muscovies all found their way to us through different paths—Walter was abandoned, Psyduck was a surrender, and Bosco was a rescue. Now, alongside their "family of littles," they enjoy a peaceful life where they can express their unique, quiet personalities.

Northern Red-bellied Cooter

One Million: A grand dame of the waterfowl pond, One Million is a "huge and old" favorite. When she isn’t soaking up the sun, she can be found wandering the banks to find the perfect spot for her nests.

Red Eared Sliders

The Slider Squad: As one of the most commonly surrendered pets, these turtles almost always outgrow their home aquariums. At the zoo, they have all the room they need to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy their retirement!

Red-footed Tortoise

The Red-Footed Tortoise: Named for the vibrant, cherry-red scales that dot its legs and head, this South American native is a striking departure from the duller colors of many other tortoise species. With a "loaf-shaped" shell and a curious, social personality, they are often found exploring the forest floor rather than hiding in it.

Russian Tortoise

Little Henry & Natalia: These hardy excavators are famous for their digging skills. While they may be small, Little Henry and Natalia have big personalities and spend much of their time exploring their habitat and looking for the perfect spot to nap.

Southeast Asian Box Turtle

Timmy: A truly rare and unique resident, Timmy is a Southeast Asian Box Turtle who came to us as an owner surrender. After 40 years in a single home, she is now enjoying her retirement here, showcasing the incredible longevity and charm of his species.

Spiny Softshell Turtle

Doby: Much like his magical namesake, Doby (a Spiny Softshell) is a unique owner surrender with a look all his own. Highly adapted to cold climates, he is usually one of the very last turtles to wake up from hibernation each spring!

Sulcata Tortoise

The Sulcatas: Also known as the African Spurred Tortoise, these are the third-largest tortoise species in the world! Famous for their massive size and a serious love of digging, these gentle giants are like the heavy machinery of the zoo, always busy excavating or searching for their next leafy snack.

Waterfowl

Wild & Domestic Waterfowl: A lively mix of Geese, Mallards, and various domestic duck breeds! Keep a close eye out for Delta, our special resident with "Angel Wing"—she’s a local favorite and proof that every bird in our flock has a unique story to tell.

Yellow Bellied Sliders

The Slider Squad: A classic favorite of the southern waterways, our Yellow Bellied Sliders are easily recognized by the vibrant yellow "S" on their necks. These energetic swimmers spend their days basking in the sun and diving deep at a moment's notice!

Eastern River Cooter

The Eastern River Cooter: A familiar sight to anyone who enjoys kayaking or river walks, these large freshwater turtles are the quintessential "basking" turtles of the Southeast. With intricate yellow swirls on their shells and skin, they are often spotted stacked atop one another on logs, soaking up the sun before diving into the safety of the current.

Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican: A large, iconic coastal bird and a massive conservation success story! While this species is famous in the wild for its high-altitude plunge-diving, watching our resident ambassador, Pete, lounge by the water is always a highlight for our visitors.