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🌍 Animal Awareness Day

National Wildlife Day

Celebrated on Saturday, September 4, 2027

We're celebrating National Wildlife Day at 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center in Townsend, Delaware — and these are the rescues in the spotlight. Come meet them in person and learn why they matter.

Snapping Turtle

Snapping Turtle

Why so snappy? Unlike other turtles, they have a very small bottom shell (plastron) and cannot fully retract their limbs or head for protection. This vulnerability makes them…

Meet Oedipus →
Red-footed Tortoise

Red-footed Tortoise

Colorful namesake: Their specific name, carbonarius, means “coal-like,” referring to their dark, coal-black skin that contrasts sharply with their bright red or orange scales. Chatty Cathys: During courtship,…

Meet Roxy and Rudolph →
Eastern Screech Owl

Eastern Screech Owl

Master of Disguise: They occur in two distinct color morphs—rufous (red) and gray—which allows them to blend seamlessly against different types of tree bark. Not a Hoot: Unlike…

Meet Sienna →
Greek Tortoise

Greek Tortoise

The “Spur-Thighed” Tortoise: They are often called this because of the large, cone-shaped tubercle (spur) located on each thigh near the tail. Hibernation & Estivation: Depending on their…

Meet Ari →
Eastern Painted Turtle

Eastern Painted Turtle

The Alignment: Unlike most turtles where the scutes (shell scales) alternate like bricks, the Eastern Painted Turtle’s top scutes align in straight, parallel rows across the back. Bum…

Meet the Eastern Painted Turtle →
Eastern Box Turtle

Eastern Box Turtle

Eye Color: You can usually tell their sex by their eyes: Males typically have bright red or orange irises, while females have brown or dark red ones. Homebodies:…

Meet the Eastern Box Turtle →
Leopard Tortoise

Leopard Tortoise

Swimming Ability: Unlike most tortoises, Leopard Tortoises are capable swimmers and can cross rivers. Camouflage: Their chaotic shell pattern breaks up their outline in the tall grass, protecting…

Meet Ducky →
Southeast Asian Box Turtle

Southeast Asian Box Turtle

The “Box” Hinge: Like American box turtles, they have a hinged plastron (bottom shell) that allows them to pull their head and limbs inside and close the shell…

Meet Timmy →
Russian Tortoise

Russian Tortoise

Burrowers: They dig tunnels up to 6 feet long to escape the extreme heat and cold of their native deserts. Size: They are a small species, rarely exceeding…

Meet Little Henry →
Emu

Emu

Speed Demons: Emus are the second-largest bird in the world and can sprint at speeds up to 30 mph. Dual Eyelids: They possess a second, translucent eyelid that…

Meet the Emu →
American Alligators

American Alligators

Keystone Species: They dig “gator holes” in wetlands which retain water during droughts, providing a lifeline for other wildlife. Temperature-Dependent Sex: The gender of offspring is determined by…

Meet Mr. Smee and Wendy →
Gray Fox

Gray Fox

Tree Climbers: The only American canid capable of climbing trees, using their semi-retractable claws to escape predators or reach food. Ancient Lineage: They are evolutionarily distinct from the…

Meet Foxxy →
Red Fox

Red Fox

Magnetic Sense: Researchers believe Red Foxes can see the Earth’s magnetic field as a “shadow” in their vision, helping them pounce on prey. Agility: They can jump over…

Meet Todd →
Black Vulture

Black Vulture

Sight Hunters: Unlike Turkey Vultures which hunt by smell, Black Vultures hunt almost exclusively by sight. Urohidrosis: They defecate on their own legs to cool off through evaporation…

Meet Lurch →
Sulcata Tortoise

Sulcata Tortoise

The Bulldozer: They are immensely strong and determined; they can knock down fences and walk through walls if they want to. Third Largest: They are the third-largest tortoise…

Meet Otis and Tortuga →
Brown Pelican

Brown Pelican

The Pouch: Their throat pouch (gular pouch) can hold up to 3 gallons of water—three times what their stomach can hold. They must tilt their heads to drain…

Meet Pete →
Silver Fox

Silver Fox

Silver foxes are actually born black; the distinctive silver “frosting” only appears as their guard hairs grow in. The “Domestic Silver Fox” is a result of a specific…

Meet Gracie and Rusco →
Leucistic Fox

Leucistic Fox

Not Albino: Leucism is a partial loss of pigmentation. Unlike albinos, they have normal colored eyes and sensitive vision. Genetic Morph: This is a naturally occurring color variation…

Meet Rufus →

About National Wildlife Day

National Wildlife Day, marked every September 4, honors wildlife and the sanctuaries that give injured, orphaned and displaced wild animals a safe place to land. Many of the residents at 3 Palms are exactly that — wild animals whose second chance is a home here.

In Pictures

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Sienna the Eastern Screech Owl
Look who’s awake this morning! Sienna, the Eastern Screech Owl.⠀ ⠀ #3palmszoo
This handsome little Greek Tortoise was surrendered to us last week. His family faced a move that could not include …
Greek Tortoise
#turtles-tortoises Turtles & Tortoises
🥕 🐾 SANCTUARY CARE SPOTLIGHT | Eastern Painted Turtle Catching our painted turtles stacked up like pancakes on a sunny log is one of the best parts of summer morning rounds! These little sun worshipers love soaking up the rays before diving into breakfast. Keeping them thriving means dishing out a healthy mix of crunchy insects and fresh leafy greens. Your $6 admission directly buys their fresh produce and specialized feed, partnering with us to keep rescues like these swimming strong. Come meet the crew in person this weekend!
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We all know what a Box Turtle looks like, but have you ever seen a hatchling? Hatchling Box Turtles are extremely elusive, spending most of their first few years living beneath leaf litter. At less than one inch at hatch, they can easily be mistaken for acorns, dirt, or gum (monkey) balls. Predators also enjoy these tasty morsels and nest predation can be as high as 95%! With declining Box Turtle populations it is very important that hatchlings be given a helping hand. If you should come across a hatchling; please help it to the closest woodland, and resist the temptation to take it home.⠀ ⠀ #3palmszoo
This gorgeous Box Turtle was surrendered to us last weekend. At first glance he may appear to be a common Eastern Bo…
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#turtles-tortoises Turtles & Tortoises
#turtles-tortoises Turtles & Tortoises
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Last week we received a call from a worried young lady about her pet Tortoise. She was becoming concerned with his behavior, eating habits, and sleeping schedule. Henry is a young Russian Tortoise who had been acquired from a friend of a friend. He resided within a large Tortoise table, received good lighting, diet, and was loved! However even after providing all of this, Henry spent most of his time burrowed in his substrate and only ate when he was dug up. Wanting what was best for Henry’s health and morale, he was relinquished to us for care. Fortunatly, an immediate trip to the Vet ruled out any ailments; and it is thought that he was lacking stimuli and an enriching environment. Henry has since been moved outdoors in the company of our other Mediterranean Tortoises. His days are now enjoyed under the sun foraging through the grass, and following his fellow Tortoises around. Welcome to the Zoo Henry!
The gates are closed today. Our Russian tortoises are busy digging cozy burrows to stay comfortable. They love to call their friends on their shell-phones! Plan a fun weekend trip Friday through Monday to see them. 📍 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center 🕒 Status: 🔴 CLOSED TODAY 🎟️ Tickets & Info: 3palmszoo.org
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Last week we received a call from a worried young_36661599923_l
There are too many sad stories of landlords discovering abandoned_26384381679_l
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View this 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center post on Facebook: http://buff.ly/2nTJMcZ⠀ ⠀ #3palmszoo
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Calling All Gator Fans! Christmas in July Feeding Frenzy! Alligator feeding frenzy! See these magnificent creatures devour their dinner at Christmas in July at 3 Palms Zoo. Every Friday & Saturday, 7 pm – 9 pm. Feeding at 8 pm sharp! Special thanks to Lewes Harbour Marina for keeping our gators happy this summer! #ChristmasInJuly #AlligatorFeeding #SupportLocal P.S. Don’t miss the rest of the fun! Christmas in July features festive decor, cool evening adventures, animal feeding, marshmallow roasting and more!#3palmszoo
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Gray Fox
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Red Fox – Bailey
Red Fox in habitat at 3 Palms Zoo
Todd the Red Fox at 3 Palms Zoo
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Black Vulture
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📣 Calling all nature enthusiasts! 🦅🌿 Join us at 3 Palms Zoo and get up close and personal with our amazing black vultures! 🎉 Discover fascinating facts about these majestic birds by chatting with our knowledgeable zoo staff. 📚✨ On September 2nd, we’re celebrating Vulture Awareness Day, and we want you to be a part of it! Come visit our zoo and learn all about the important role vultures play in our ecosystem. 🌍 Our friendly staff will be more than happy to share interesting insights about these incredible creatures and answer any questions you may have. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of vultures’ unique characteristics. 🦅❤️ Don’t miss out on this chance to meet our black vultures and learn firsthand about their fascinating behaviors and adaptations. 🏞️ Bring your friends and family along for a fun-filled day at 3 Palms Zoo! Share this post with your friends and invite them to join us for an unforgettable experience with our black vultures. Let’s make Vulture Awareness Day a day to remember! 🚀✨ #VultureAwarenessDay #3PalmsZoo #GetCloserToNature #DiscoverVultures
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🌍 🐾 International Vulture Awareness Day | 3 Palms Zoo Black Vultures play a vital ecological role, clearing away carcasses to stop dangerous diseases in their tracks. Unlike other scavengers, these sharp-eyed birds hunt by sight and even share meals with their tight-knit family members. Did you know vultures formed such devoted family bonds? Today is International Vulture Awareness Day, celebrating nature’s ultimate clean-up crew! You can meet our resident Black Vultures up close at 3 Palms Zoo in Townsend, DE! Admission is just $6.00—check our website to plan your weekend adventure. 📍 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center 🕒 Status: 🟡 OPEN 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 🌿 Plan Your Visit: 3palmszoo.org
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Sulcata news! – ⠀ ⠀ This morning we can happily report that Tank the Tortoise of Jungle John Entertainment has been safely returned! We also want to introduce you to our new Tortoise Charley. Charley is an eight year old Sulcata weighing in at roughly 40 lbs. She was surrendered to us last week, however we did not want to post the arrival while another facility was facing such a difficult loss. Charley came from a family of Turtle lovers who discovered how challenging a Sulcata’s needs are to meet. Wanting what was best for her, the family began to look for a permanent home where she could live freely outdoors under the natural sun. Today, Charley can be found freely cruising the Zoo grounds in the good company of Harry and Tortuga. Welcome to the Zoo beautiful!
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Today is shaping up to be absolutely perfect weather to spend some time outside. Our sulcata tortoises are already finding the best shady spots to relax. Come help them shell-ebrate this beautiful Friday! Your visit today helps us buy their fresh leafy greens.
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Tortuga, loving the warm February weather!_32659337531_l
Sulcata Tortoise at 3 Palms Zoo
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#silver-fox Silver Fox
Join us for “Boo! At the Zoo!” this weekend! Spend some time with our nocturnal animals including Shylo the Silver Fox. Roast a marshmallow, sip cider, and enjoy all the Halloween ambiance. We can’t think of a better way to spend a fall evening!
Silver Fox – Shylo
Meet the new member of the 3 Palms family, Gracie the Silver Fox. This adorable six week old ball of fluff is a captive raised Fox who was purchased from an Ohio auction only ten days ago. After returning home with Gracie, her family contacted the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife for a permit only to realize their new pet was illegal! Fearing the worst and wanting what is best for Gracie, she was relinquished to our facility. Here she will have a secure life in the company of other foxes, and her family may continue to visit and see her prosper. In order to maintain her social skills and friendly behavior Gracie will be out in the Zoo on a daily basis. Plan a trip soon to meet her, and visit often to watch her grow! Remember, Red Foxes are illegal to possess in the state of Delaware. This includes any and all color mutations, such as the Silver & Marble Fox. Please do your research before acquiring a pet Fox, confiscations can be subject to euthanasia! If you have further questions about the state permitting process for pet Foxes please contact Delaware Fish & Wildlife.
Gracie Silver Fox Curled Up Resting | 3 Palms Zoo
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Fox – Rufus
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Rufus is waiting to say “Good morning!”…but he won’t be up long. Come visit him and the rest of the crew before it gets too hot! It’s a beautiful morning to be outside! #beautifulday☀️
Happy New Year to all our amazing 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center family! 🎉 Thank you for making Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights the best event series ever! Your support makes a real difference for our rescue animals. We’d love to see your unforgettable moments from Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights—share your photos in the comments using #zoolights! We can’t wait to bring more fun your way with our upcoming Easter EggStravaganZoo. Stay tuned for event details in the next few days. Whether you’re a monthly donor or a regular visitor, your support means the world to us. Here’s to a wonderful 2024 together! Thank you for being part of our zoo family! #HappyNewYear #ThankYou #EasterEggStravaganZoo
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Rufus the Leucistic Fox
Treat time is the best time! 😋 Watch Rufus, our Leucistic Fox, enjoying a tasty snack at 3 Palms Zoo. ❤️ #3PalmsZoo #FoxLove #HappyAnimals #ZooLife
Leucistic Fox – Rufus

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 →