A Peaceful Morning Adventure Just 15 Minutes North of Smyrna
Hand-feed gentle rescues and meet Delaware's only live alligators in Townsend, DE.
Live Zoo Status
Connecting to the main gates...
Looking to get the kids out of the house today without driving all the way to Philly or Baltimore? Skip the long road trip and head just a few minutes north up US‑13 to 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center in Townsend, Delaware's dedicated animal rescue sanctuary!
Enjoy a calm, open-air farm morning where your family can hand-feed gentle sheep and llamas, greet playful foxes and owls, 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: Smyrna & Clayton Itineraries
3 Palms Zoo is the perfect centerpiece for a local day trip. Pair your morning zoo visit with these nearby favorites:
- 🌿 The Coastal Nature Route: After feeding the rescues, head east to Bombay Hook National Refuge for a scenic coastal drive, or take the kids to skip stones at Woodland Beach.
- 🌲 The Shaded Picnic Route: Pack a lunch! Visit the zoo right at opening, then drive 5 minutes down the road to Blackbird State Forest for a quiet family picnic under the trees.
- 🥪 The Local Foodie Route: Grab a famous breakfast sandwich at Helen's Sausage House on your way up, or hit Trevi, Bella Villa, or Brick Works Brewing in downtown Smyrna for lunch after your zoo visit.
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.