🌍 Animal Awareness Day

World Turtle & Tortoise Day

Celebrated on Sunday, May 23, 2027

We're celebrating World Turtle & Tortoise 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.

About World Turtle & Tortoise Day

World Turtle & Tortoise Day is a day for learning about — and appreciating — the animals behind it. Here at 3 Palms, the spotlight falls on Snapping Turtle, Red-footed Tortoise, Greek Tortoise, Eastern Painted Turtle and 6 more, rescues who call the zoo home. It is a chance to hear their stories and see the everyday care that rescue takes.

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 Snapping Turtle →

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 Red-footed 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 Greek Tortoise →

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 Eastern Painted 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 Eastern Box Turtle →

Diamondback Terrapin

Soup Survivors: In the early 1900s, they were nearly eaten to extinction because “Turtle Soup” was a gourmet delicacy. Prohibition helped save them (since sherry was a key…

Meet Diamondback Terrapin →

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 Leopard Tortoise →

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 Southeast Asian Box Turtle →

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 Russian 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 Sulcata Tortoise →

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 →