🎉 Animal Appreciation Day
Hug a Sheep Day
Celebrated on Saturday, October 30, 2027
We're celebrating Hug a Sheep Day at 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center in Townsend, Delaware — and these are the rescues in the spotlight. Come meet them in person.
About Hug a Sheep Day
Hug a Sheep Day falls on the last Saturday of October, in the middle of wool season — a day for slowing down and appreciating sheep: their wool, their smarts, and their surprisingly strong personalities. It is a hands-on kind of holiday, best celebrated in person with a sheep.
The Story of Hug a Sheep Day
Hug a Sheep Day was created by the Kentucky shepherd known as the Crazy Sheep Lady of Equinox Farms, in memory of a sheep named Punkin. She rescued Punkin — a sick lamb — from the Bluegrass Stockyards in 1992, and he became her first sheep: an ambassador who marched in parades, visited schools, and charmed farm guests for 12 years. After Punkin died in 2004, she built the day around his birthday, October 30, so sheep everywhere would get the love he had. It is now celebrated on the last Saturday of October — one rescued sheep's legacy.
Photos of Rocky
Plan Your Visit
Admission is just $6.00 and directly supports the daily care of every rescue here.
Fall Hours | Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (weather permitting)
Hours, directions & tickets →