(302) 715-1326

🌍 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.

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 →
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 →
Diamondback Terrapin

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 Bubbles →
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 →
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 →

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.

In Pictures

rescued-blind-snapping-turtle-3-palms-zoo-delaware
blind-common-snapping-turtle-rescue-3-palms-zoo
blind-common-snapping-turtle-habitat-3-palms-zoo
Photo_33626570260_l
red-footed-tortoise-eating-lettuce-3-palms-zoo
Greek Tortoise
This handsome little Greek Tortoise was surrendered to us last week. His family faced a move that could not include …
🥕 🐾 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!
Eastern Painted Turtles_32933034612_l
eastern-painted-turtles-surrender-pond-3-palms-zoo
eastern-painted-turtles-swimming-3-palms-zoo
yellow-bellied-slider-surrender-grass-3-palms-zoo
#turtles-tortoises Turtles & Tortoises
This gorgeous Box Turtle was surrendered to us last weekend. At first glance he may appear to be a common Eastern Bo…
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
eastern-box-turtle-surrenders
Photo_37481098732_l
diamondback-terrapin-surrender-3-palms-zoo
#turtles-tortoises Turtles & Tortoises
#turtles-tortoises Turtles & Tortoises
southeast-asian-box-turtle-timmy-3-palms-zoo
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!
There are too many sad stories of landlords discovering abandoned_26384381679_l
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
russian-tortoise-basking-3-palms-zoo
Last week we received a call from a worried young_36661599923_l
russian-tortoise-eating-red-pepper-3-palms-zoo
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!
#turtles-tortoises Turtles & Tortoises
#pumpkin Pumpkin
#turtles-tortoises Turtles & Tortoises
#turtles-tortoises Turtles & Tortoises
Tortuga, loving the warm February weather!_32659337531_l
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.
Sulcata Tortoise at 3 Palms Zoo
Sulcata Tortoise (1)
sulcata-tortoise-tomato-face-3-palms-zoo
Photo_37615302611_l

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 →