Goats
Mr. Gold, our famous fainting goat, and Phil are first to the fence every morning. If you have a scoop of food, you have their full attention.
A Peaceful Country Morning Near Wilmington
Just 30 minutes south on DE-1 — feed friendly llamas and meet Delaware's only live alligators.
- Petting zoo included — hand-feed the rescued Farm Friends
- Delaware’s only live alligator exhibit
- A rescue zoo — every animal here has a story
$6per person · infants under 12 months are free
Petting zoo food $1 a scoop · bamboo stems $1
Petting zoo food $1 a scoop · bamboo stems $1
SORRY, WE'RE
CURRENTLY CLOSED OPENS THURSDAY AT 9:00 AM
CURRENTLY CLOSED OPENS THURSDAY AT 9:00 AM
Tomorrow:
9 am - 3 pm
Tickets:
$6.00 Admission
☀️
64°F (Tomorrow: High 68° / Low 49°)
⛅
While we're open tomorrow: Temps will climb from 52°F to a high of 68°F. Expect overcast skies with winds up to 8 mph and a 1% chance of precipitation.
"Our Muscovy duck crew always brings plenty of quack-factor to the sanctuary! Why do ducks make terrible secret agents? Plan a visit to meet the flock!"
👆 Tap to reveal answer!
They always quack under pressure!
Looking for an authentic farm experience just a short drive from Wilmington? Skip the crowded city concrete and head 30 minutes south down Route 1 to 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center in Townsend.
Here you will find a peaceful, open-air animal sanctuary with dirt paths, free-roaming rescued waterfowl, gentle goats and llamas eager for hand-feeding, and Mr. Smee—Delaware’s only resident American alligator.
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!
Good to Know
Admission: $6 per person · infants under 12 months free
Petting zoo food: $1 a scoop
Bamboo stems: $1 each
Hours: Fall Hours | Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM — the live board at the top of this page always has today.
Find us: 1060 Vandyke Greenspring Rd, Townsend, DE 19734 · (302) 715-1326
🗺️ Wilmington Day-Trip Route
- Take DE-1 South toward Townsend for an easy morning visit with the animals at 3 Palms Zoo.
- Head 10 minutes north into historic Odessa or Middletown for lunch and local bakery stops.
- Take a scenic stroll along the trails at Blackbird State Forest or the Middletown parks before heading back to the city.
🌿 More Good Stops Nearby: Delaware Museum of Nature & Science — dinosaurs, Delaware ecosystems and a hands-on kids' nook. Hagley Museum — the original du Pont powder yards, working machinery and gardens on the Brandywine. Brandywine Creek State Park — 900+ acres of meadows, old woods and trails just outside the city.
At just $6.00 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.
🌿 The Perfect Break from Wilmington
- Quick & Scenic Drive: Only 30–35 minutes straight down DE-1 South from the Wilmington Riverfront or Brandywine area.
- Hands-On Rescue Encounters: Get up-close with rescued foxes, owls, raccoons, sheep, and tropical birds.
- Delaware’s Only Alligator Exhibit: See rescued American alligators right here on the Delmarva Peninsula.
- True Value: An unhurried 1 to 2-hour experience for just a few dollars per person.
Meet the Farm Friends
Sheep
Rocky and the flock are professional leaners. Find the right scratching spot and they will stay all day.
Llamas
Tall, calm, and extremely photogenic. They supervise the petting zoo with great dignity and zero urgency.
Mini pigs
Toby and the crew. Belly scratches are accepted and encouraged.
Cows
Our rescued Angus herd watches over the pasture — including Baby Jacob, the calf born right here at the zoo in August 2026.
The welcoming committee
Chickens, ducks, a turkey, and Gus have the run of the place. Where you go, they go — especially if you are holding a scoop.
Visiting from Wilmington? Good questions
How much is admission?
$6.00 per person, and infants under 12 months are free. The petting zoo is included with every visit — the only extras are the treats: petting zoo food is $1 a scoop and bamboo stems are $1 each, and every one helps feed the animals.
When are you open?
Fall Hours | Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Check the live status board at the top of this page before you head out — it always has the hours for today.
Where are you located?
1060 Vandyke Greenspring Rd in Townsend, Delaware. Read the GPS warning in the visit panel next to this — your GPS will try to send you down Blackbird Forest Rd, and that is wrong. The entrance is on Vandyke Greenspring Rd.
How long should we plan for a visit?
Most families relax for an hour or two. We aren't an exhausting, expensive theme park — take your time and meet everyone.
Can we feed the animals?
Yes — hand-feeding the rescued Farm Friends is the heart of the visit. Goats, sheep, llamas, mini pigs, and cows, all friendly and all very used to being loved on.
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.
Explore 3 Palms Zoo
Want to see who lives at the sanctuary before making the drive?