A Peaceful Morning Adventure Right in Your Backyard
Feed friendly rescued llamas, see Delaware's only alligators, and explore the MOT countryside.
Live Zoo Status
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Looking to get the kids out of the house today without driving out of the MOT area? Skip the long road trip to the city and discover Delaware's dedicated animal rescue sanctuary right in your own backyard!
Located in Townsend, 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center offers an authentic, peaceful farm sanctuary where your family can hand-feed gentle sheep and llamas, observe rescued owls and foxes, and visit Mr. Smee at Delaware's only live American alligator exhibit.
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.
📍 Make a Day of It: MOT Agritourism Itineraries
3 Palms Zoo is the perfect morning anchor for a local day out. Pair your visit with these MOT community favorites:
- 🌲 The Farm & Forest Route: Visit 3 Palms right at opening to feed the rescues. Afterwards, take a 5-minute drive down to Blackbird State Forest for shaded trail walks, or stop by seasonal local growers like Coleman's Christmas Tree Farm and Cook Family Farms.
- 🦙 The Local Agritourism Route: Love farm animals? Pair 3 Palms with a visit to our friends at New Groove Alpacas or browse the massive selection of produce and fresh baked goods at Willey Farms in Townsend.
- 🥪 Historic Odessa Dining: Work up an appetite greeting the animals, then head 8 minutes north into Historic Odessa for a relaxed family lunch at Cantwell's Tavern.
- 🎃 Fall Festival Pairings: Visiting during autumn? Pair a peaceful morning at 3 Palms with an evening trip to Frightland in Middletown for Delaware's premier fall seasonal events.
Explore 3 Palms Zoo
Want to see who lives at the sanctuary before making the drive?
Start your morning adventure now.
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.