Yep, You Found the "Lewes Zoo Guys!"
Catching fresh ocean fish for Pete the Pelican and Mr. Smee in Townsend, DE.
Live Zoo Status
Connecting to the main gates...
If you are reading this, there is a good chance we just met you while we were out fishing along the Lewes Canal or at Cape Henlopen State Park. It was great talking to you on the docks!
While folks around Lewes know us as the "Lewes zoo guys" or "the guys catching fish for the alligators," our sanctuary is 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center, located just up Route 1 in Townsend, Delaware.
So, why are zoo staff members out casting lines in Lewes? Meet Pete the Brown Pelican, Mr. Smee the alligator, and our rescued native aquatic turtles. Providing a fresh, species-appropriate diet for rescued aquatic animals is a huge priority for us. To make sure our fish-eating residents get the freshest diet possible (and to keep our non-profit operating costs low), our team drives down to the Lewes coast several times a week to catch dinner straight from Delaware waters.
What to Expect: We are proud to be a rugged, authentic rescue sanctuary. You won't find commercialized, paved walkways here. Instead, you'll experience a true farm environment with free-roaming rescued ducks, dirt paths, and incredible up-close encounters with our gentle rescued llamas, sheep, and goats. Dress for the farm, not the city!
🌟 Summer Pro-Tip: Because we are a true farm sanctuary, we have very limited shade. Plan your visit for early in the morning! You'll beat the intense midday heat, and catch the animals when they are most active.
At just a few dollars per person (infants under 12 months are free), we aren't an exhausting, expensive theme park. Relax for an hour or two without breaking the bank.
📍 Come See Who You Helped Feed!
Since you will likely be heading north on Route 1 when your beach trip wraps up, make 3 Palms Zoo your official pit stop! We are located just minutes off Route 1 / US‑13 in Townsend.
🎣 Fisherman's Special Bonus:
Tell the front gate staff "I met you fishing in Lewes" and we will hand you a FREE cup of feed for the llamas and goats!
Explore 3 Palms Zoo
Want to see who lives at the sanctuary before making the drive?
Break up your drive home and meet Pete.
Put us directly into your GPS below to start navigating.
⚠️ Critical GPS Warning
GPS units fail here constantly. They often tell you to turn onto (or stay on) "Blackbird Forest Rd." This is wrong. You must turn onto Vandyke Greenspring Rd to find our entrance.