(302) 715-1326

🌍 Animal Awareness Day

Prairie Dog Day

Celebrated on Tuesday, February 2, 2027

We're celebrating Prairie Dog 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.

Prairie Dogs

Prairie Dogs

Our resident: Dale

Towns: They live in massive colonies called “towns” that can span hundreds of acres. Language: They have a complex vocal system with specific calls for different predators (e.g., “human with gun” vs. “hawk”). Keystone Species: Their burrows provide homes for other species like burrowing owls and black-footed ferrets.

Meet Dale →

About Prairie Dog Day

Prairie Dog Day is a day for learning about — and appreciating — the animals behind it. Here at 3 Palms, the spotlight falls on Prairie Dogs, rescues who call the zoo home. It is a chance to hear their stories and see the everyday care that rescue takes.

Photos of Dale

#prairie-dogs Prairie Dogs
Uncle Sam Hat Prairie Dog America 250 Celebration at 3 Palms Zoo
#prairie-dogs Prairie Dogs
#prairie-dogs Prairie Dogs
Prairie Dog – Straw Stuffing
Prairie Dog – Chew Toy
20250424_094953
Chip-Prairie-Dog-3-Palms-Zoo
Have you met Chip and Dale, our playful prairie dogs? These furry friends love to play and interact with visitors. Come see them and our other amazing animals this weekend from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. #3PalmsZoo #prairiedog #familyfun
Last Chance for Christmas in July at 3 Palms Zoo! 🎄 Join us for one final night of festive fun tonight or Saturday from 7-9pm! Enjoy festive decorations, animal encounters, and marshmallow roasting. Don’t miss the thrilling alligator feeding at 8pm! 🐊 Plus, meet our newest zoo residents: Chip & Dale, our adorable prairie dogs, and Lilianna, a sweet bunny! This is your last chance for nocturnal adventures until Boo! at the Zoo! in October! #ChristmasInJuly #AlligatorFeeding #NewAnimals#3palmszoo
#prairie-dogs Prairie Dogs
Summer went by in a flash. With Appoquinimink schools starting up this Monday (and Smyrna not far behind), we want to give the kids one last proper summer send-off this weekend! It’s shaping up to be a mostly dry, beautiful weekend to get outside and visit all the animals before the school routine kicks into full gear. Chip & Dale are already primed to spend the weekend popping out to say hello. Make the most of the nice weather while it’s here. Check our hours and directions on the website, and we’ll see you at the zoo! 📍 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center 🕒 Status: 🔴 CLOSED TODAY 🌿 Plan Your Visit: 3palmszoo.org

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 →