☀️ DAILY VIBE
Warm smiles from Townsend! Dominick has perfected a dramatic, booming bray just to ensure no one ever overlooks him. He delivers his loud announcements with total authority, clearly believing he is the sanctuary's official spokesperson. Hope your day is filled with smiles!
🎟️ SPECIAL EVENT
Walking around the rescue after dark is a whole different experience than a regular daytime visit.
And when you need a break, the fire pits are going — marshmallow roasting is on us.
Bundle up for Boo! at the Zoo! and come see who's stirring.
🎟️ SPECIAL EVENT
Boo! at the Zoo! is on tonight, and Dominick came dressed for it.
Most of our animals are asleep by seven, but the night shift is just getting started — and Dominick will be at the fence. He never misses a visitor, especially one carrying carrots.
🎟️ SPECIAL EVENT
Four nights left of Boo! at the Zoo!
The zoo looks different after dark. Our Halloween scenes by day, then the same scenes lit up at night — the cemetery, the gingerbread house, the Corn Stalker, and the witch inside, stirring her cauldron.
Music: "Mischief Maker" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.
📚 DEEP DIVE
📚 🐾 THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY | Domestic Ducks
Ever wonder how our domestic duck flock stays completely dry in chilly autumn ponds? It comes down to brilliant built-in chemistry! They possess a specialized uropygial gland near the base of their tails. As the crew grooms, they carefully distribute this natural oil across their plumage, locking in warmth and creating an impenetrable waterproof barrier that keeps moisture rolling right off their backs.
To stay cozy while paddling cool waters, they also rely on countercurrent heat exchange, an incredible vascular adaptation that keeps their bare feet from freezing! Have you ever caught the flock meticulously preening their feathers during your zoo visits?
SANCTUARY UPDATE
🌍 🐾 National Reptile Awareness Day | 3 Palms Zoo
Today is National Reptile Awareness Day! Ancient Champions: Reptiles have shaped our planet for over 300 million years, playing vital ecological roles as wetland architects and essential seed dispersers. Their specialized adaptations—from solar-powered basking to impenetrable shells—are true masterclasses in evolutionary survival.
Sanctuary Spotlight: Celebrate these prehistoric wonders by visiting 3 Palms Zoo today! Come meet our powerful American alligators, mighty Sulcata, Leopard, and Russian tortoises, alongside curious snapping and box turtles. Check our website to plan your visit. Which reptile are you most excited to meet today?
✍️ MANUAL UPDATE
Two weekends left for Boo! at the Zoo!
The hayride is back! — $3 a ride. Spooky, not scary. Costumes welcome, and the marshmallows are on us.
Four nights left total, and then it's gone until next year.
SANCTUARY UPDATE
🔍 🐾 MYTH-BUSTER MONDAY | Domestic Turkeys
The Myth: That fleshy flap hanging over a turkey’s beak is just useless, decorative skin.
The Reality: That remarkable feature is called a snood, and it acts like a biological mood ring! Turkeys regulate blood flow to shrink, extend, or shift the snood's color between vibrant reds and pale blues depending on their emotional state.
Our rescued flock at 3 Palms Zoo loves flaunting their dynamic snoods while foraging through the crisp fall air. This clever crew is endlessly expressive!
Did you believe that funny flap had no real purpose growing up?
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Why are silver foxes so fantastic at telling stories?
Because they always have a great tail to share!
With a crisp autumn breeze rustling through the leaves, our silver fox crew is out enjoying the fresh fall air. Plan a visit to meet the crew!
🎟️ SPECIAL EVENT
The zoo feels entirely different once the sun goes down. Most of our nocturnal rescues, like the foxes and owl, are just waking up.
Boo! at the Zoo! is open Friday and Saturday nights through October. Admission is $6 at the gate or online ahead of time.
Bundle up for a cozy hayride! See you tonight!
✍️ MANUAL UPDATE
Boo! at the Zoo is ON tonight. Gates open at 7.
The rain isn't expected until 7:30 or 8, so if you're coming, come early. Hayrides start at open and stop once the rain begins.
✍️ MANUAL UPDATE
🎃 COSTUME TRIAL RUN
You know your kids can't wait to get those costumes out. Give them a trial run at Boo! at the Zoo! — costumes welcome.
We're halfway through the season, six fun nights left. So what are your kids going to be for Halloween this year?
#hayrides #costumes #halloween
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Rocky our sheep is busily trotting through the farmyard, using his soft fleece and friendly personality to charm everyone he meets. Having such a cuddly sanctuary favorite around is always a shear delight! Come enjoy a peaceful countryside walk among our rescues!
📚 DEEP DIVE
📚 🐾 THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY | American Alligators
American alligators aren't just formidable hunters; they are vital ecosystem engineers! As a keystone species, our impressive duo represents a wild lineage famous for excavating “gator holes.” During seasonal droughts, these deep wetland basins retain crucial water, creating an indispensable lifeline that sustains fish, turtles, and birds until the rains return.
Here at the sanctuary, the pair loves basking in the gentle fall sun between feasts of fresh fish caught by local anglers. Next time you visit, watch how still they can stay! Have you ever spotted our duo resting along the water's edge?
🥕 SANCTUARY CARE
🥕 🐾 WELLNESS & WILDLIFE WEDNESDAY | Red-footed Tortoise
Our red-footed tortoises are living artwork! Their scientific name, *carbonarius*, means “coal-like”—highlighting their dark, coal-black skin that contrasts sharply with their bright red and orange scales. Diet & Care: Unlike most tortoises, these boys are passionate fruit lovers. They're spending this crisp fall morning munching sweet fruit and leafy greens and love taking petting zoo food from our visitors!
Your $6.00 admission directly fuels their fresh feed and daily care. Come meet the boys and see their colors shine in person this weekend!
✍️ MANUAL UPDATE
📣 FUN TREATS AT BOO! AT THE ZOO!
Free marshmallow roasting at the gazebo, every Boo! night — and the animals get treats too. Produce cups, $2.
Kid friendly, spooky not scary. See you at Boo! at the Zoo!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Gracie the silver fox clearly believes 'acting natural' means doing mid-air spins to demand immediate attention. This fan favorite is always bursting with crazy energy! Explore our website's events page for Boo! at the Zoo! details. Hope your day is filled with smiles!
✍️ MANUAL UPDATE
📣 BOO! AT THE ZOO TONIGHT!
Tonight. Boo! at the Zoo!, 7 pm to 9 pm
Hayride's running, free marshmallow roasting by the bonfire. $6 to get in, $3 for the ride.
Kid friendly, spooky not scary. See you out here.
🥕 SANCTUARY CARE
🥕 🐾 WELLNESS & WILDLIFE WEDNESDAY | Red Eared Sliders
Spotting our red-eared sliders out on the pond is easy—just look for that distinctive, broad red stripe behind each eye! Daily Care: As the crisp fall weather rolls in, these sun-lovers spend their mornings soaking up warmth before diving in for breakfast. Keeping our rescued crew thriving means dishing out a healthy mix of crisp leafy greens, and fish.
Every meal is an active partnership with our community. Your simple $6.00 admission directly fuels the fresh produce and quality feed our animals rely on every single day. Come visit and meet the turtles in person this weekend!
✍️ MANUAL UPDATE
📣 BOO! AT THE ZOO! HAYRIDES ARE BACK!
The hayride is back for the first time since 2022.
Boo! at the Zoo! runs Friday and Saturday nights, 7 to 9. $6 to get in, $3 for the hayride.
Spooky, not scary. Costumes welcome, marshmallows are on us.
SANCTUARY UPDATE
🔍 🐾 MYTH-BUSTER MONDAY | Eastern Box Turtle
The Myth: You can never tell whether a turtle is male or female just by looking at them.
The Reality: Look them right in the eyes! Male Eastern Box Turtles typically sport blazing red or bright orange irises, while females have subtle brown or deep red eyes.
Our resident crew at 3 Palms Zoo loves flashing their colorful gazes while munching on crisp fall greens. Their striking eyes make telling the boys from the girls a breeze with this lively group!
Did you grow up believing all box turtles looked completely identical?
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Our diamondback terrapin crew is showing off their beautifully patterned shells, proving they are the true fashion icons of the brackish marsh. They might move at their own leisurely pace, but they always make sure their style is absolutely flawless. Hope your day is filled with smiles!
SANCTUARY UPDATE
🌍 🐾 World Farm Animals Day | 3 Palms Zoo
Today is World Farm Animals Day! Why They Matter: Farm animals are remarkably intelligent, sentient beings with rich inner lives. Pigs boast problem-solving skills rivaling primates, sheep can recognize dozens of distinct faces for years, and donkeys form profound, lifelong emotional friendships that reduce herd stress.
Sanctuary Spotlight: Come celebrate our cherished rescue family at 3 Palms Zoo in Townsend, DE! Stroll our pathways to meet our miniature donkey, curious mini pigs, gentle sheep, lively goat herd, llamas, cows, and bustling chickens, ducks & geese. Check our website to plan your visit today! Which barnyard friend always makes you smile?
☀️ DAILY VIBE
With all their constant digging and chirping, our prairie dog fellas really are the ultimate underground influencers. The boys love keeping a watchful eye on the yard from their favorite mounds. Come enjoy a peaceful countryside walk among our rescues!
📚 DEEP DIVE
📚 🐾 THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY | Brown Pelican Meet our handsome Brown Pelican! When lunchtime arrives, his incredible throat pouch steals the show. Known as a gular pouch, it can stretch to hold up to three gallons of water—triple what his stomach can hold! Before he can swallow his fish, he carefully tilts his bill downward to drain out all that excess water so he gets purely a seafood meal. Built for coastal hunting, he even sports natural "bubble wrap": specialized air sacs beneath his skin that cushion the violent impact when he dive-bombs the water. Have you ever spotted a pelican plunge-diving along the coast?
🥕 SANCTUARY CARE
🥕 🐾 WELLNESS & WILDLIFE WEDNESDAY | Canada Geese In the wild, geese fly in that famous “V” formation to reduce wind resistance, traveling up to 1,500 miles in a single day! Here at the sanctuary, our flock prefers a much easier pace. Instead of migrating, their daily routine revolves around splashing by the water and gobbling up hearty bowls of waterfowl pellets, fresh greens, and grains. Your $6.00 admission directly fuels the daily feed and bedding our rescues rely on every single day. Come meet our flock in person!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Sienna our Eastern Screech Owl is blending so perfectly into her perch you might have to look twice to spot her. How does she keep her feathers looking so neat? Head to our website to see what's lined up for Boo at Zoo, and plan a visit to meet Sienna!
SANCTUARY UPDATE
🧠 🐾 TRIVIA TUESDAY | Mystery Animal Challenge Who is our secret friend strutting into autumn with bold style? Clue 1: He sports bright crimson legs and bare red facial skin, looking like he spent too much time in the Delaware sun without SPF! Clue 2: He vigorously scratches through fall leaf litter like an oversized chicken, devouring crunchy beetles, seeds, and even small lizards. Clue 3: His superpower? He rapidly whirs his wings against his sides to generate a buzzing sonic drumroll across the woods! Drop your guess below! Need a hint? Search resident profiles at 3palmszoo.org.
SANCTUARY UPDATE
🔍 🐾 MYTH-BUSTER MONDAY | Gray Fox Think all members of the canine family are strictly ground-dwellers? Think again! The gray fox is actually the only American canid capable of climbing trees. Using her hooked, semi-retractable claws and flexible wrists, she easily scrambles straight up vertical trunks to harvest fruit, hunt birds, or escape predators high above the forest floor. Here at 3 Palms Zoo, Foxxy loves putting her arboreal superpowers on full display while lounging comfortably in her favorite sunny spots! Did you grow up believing that foxes were strictly glued to the ground?
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Our Yellow Bellied Slider crew is stacked up like a little tower, peering out from the water like friendly little ghouls. They are definitely ready to *shell-ebrate* Halloween with some slow-motion tricks and treats! Hope your day is filled with smiles!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Greetings from 3 Palms! Our friendly llama herd is eager to greet everyone with their curious smiles. What do these lovely girls say when they meet someone new? Visit our website to see what's lined up for Boo at Zoo, and plan a visit to meet the herd!
SANCTUARY UPDATE
Today is International Rabbit Day! Far more than just sweet faces, rabbits are equipped with remarkable biological adaptations—like nearly 360-degree panoramic vision that lets them scan for danger from almost every angle without ever turning their heads. Built for agility, these gentle herbivores are master navigators with lightning-fast reflexes, extraordinary hearing, and curious, affectionate personalities.
Come meet our resident rescued domestic rabbits at 3 Palms Zoo in Townsend, DE! Give these sweet hoppers some love and see their gentle curiosity up close.
Stop by 3 Palms Zoo in Townsend to see them up close! 🌾
SANCTUARY UPDATE
🚗 🌿 FRIDAY FREEWAY PITSTOP | 3 Palms Zoo Taking a scenic Friday drive downstate along US-13? Trade the pavement for Townsend's crisp autumn air. Before the weekend rush catches up, pull off for an easy leg-stretch to recharge and visit our rescued domestic rabbits and watchful little screech owl. At just $6 a person, it’s a quick, budget-friendly pitstop right off Route 1 before we close at 3 PM. Check our website for hours and directions, and start your weekend off right!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Our Sulcata tortoise crew is parading in slow motion, proving they are turt-ally unmatched at taking life easy. Check our events page to see what's in store for Boo at Zoo! Come enjoy a peaceful countryside walk among our rescues.
☀️ DAILY VIBE
With his ears tuned to every little rustle, Rufus is always *out-foxing* us by predicting exactly where the next treat is coming from. Be sure to check our events page for information on our upcoming Boo at Zoo! Hope your day is filled with smiles!
🥕 SANCTUARY CARE
🥕 🐾 WELLNESS & WILDLIFE WEDNESDAY | Diamondback Terrapin Did you know diamondback terrapins were nearly eaten to extinction for gourmet “turtle soup” in the early 1900s? Prohibition actually helped save them when sherry—a key recipe ingredient—became illegal! Today, our terrapins live a far safer life, happily basking in the sun and crunching into daily high-protein plates of smelt, shrimp, and krill. Providing specialized care for these unique brackish-water natives is made possible through your support. Every $6 admission directly funds fresh feed and daily care for our rescues. Come visit and meet these resilient little survivors this weekend!
SANCTUARY UPDATE
🧠 🐾 TRIVIA TUESDAY | Mystery Animal Challenge Ready for Two Truths and a Fib? Can you outsmart this sun-loving crew? 1. Total Bulldozers: They are so immensely strong and determined, they can knock down fences and walk through walls! 2. Desert Diggers: To beat scorching scrubland heat, they feast on fibrous cactus pads and excavate burrows up to thirty feet long. 3. Shell Canteens: During harsh droughts, they store spare rainwater inside specialized, hollow compartments in their shells. Which statement is the fake? Drop your guess below! Need a hint? Search our resident animal profiles at 3palmszoo.org!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
As autumn foliage begins to color the sanctuary, our diamondback terrapin crew is keeping things wonderfully low-key. They are turt-ally content to stay completely marsh-mellow under these cozy, overcast skies. Come enjoy a peaceful countryside walk among our rescues!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
As autumn foliage begins to paint the sanctuary, Sienna the Eastern Screech Owl is blending into the branches, finding this weather to be an absolute hoot. Check our events page for Boo at Zoo details, and come enjoy a peaceful countryside walk among our rescues!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Our sweet emu is a gentle giant who absolutely loves attention and meeting new friends. Where does she go when she wants to admire fine art? Plan a visit to meet her, and explore our events page for Boo at Zoo details!
👆 Tap to reveal answer!
✨ To the emu-seum!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Our Muscovy duck crew is busy showing off their signature head-bobs and enthusiastic tail-wags as they patrol the yard. Why do these quirky waterfowl make such excellent detectives? Come visit the flock!
👆 Tap to reveal answer!
✨ Because they always quack the case!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Rocky the sheep has perfected the gentle nudge, fully believing every pocket contains a snack just for him. With fleece that soft, he easily gets away with his woolly extortion! Come visit the herd, and check our events page to see what's in store for Boo at Zoo.
✍️ MANUAL UPDATE
📣 BABY JACOB UPDATE!
He’s doing fantastic and looking for some love! His afternoon bottle is around 1:30 PM. Come out and get some calf smooches this weekend!
SANCTUARY UPDATE
🌍 🐾 International Fox Day | 3 Palms Zoo Today is International Fox Day! These clever canids are nature’s ultimate pest managers and seed dispersers, keeping wild ecosystems healthy and balanced. At 3 Palms Zoo, we proudly provide sanctuary to our remarkable rescued red, gray, silver, and rare leucistic foxes. Each bushy-tailed resident brings their own unique charm, curiosity, and playful spirit to our sanctuary family! Celebrate these incredible animals with us this weekend! We’re open in Townsend, Delaware from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM with $6 admission. Check our website to plan your trip and meet them all up close. Which fox variety are you most excited to see?
📚 DEEP DIVE
📚 🐾 THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY | Pigeons
Meet our brilliant pigeon flock! While often overlooked, these feathered geniuses possess incredible mental superpowers. They are among the rare animals on Earth that can recognize their own reflection in a mirror! Even cooler, they navigate using natural magnetoreception, easily finding their way home from over 1,300 miles away. 🧭
Even their basic biology is weirdly impressive: unlike almost all other birds that have to tilt their heads back to swallow, pigeons drink through continuous suction—using their beaks just like a straw.
Did you know these guys were packing this many hidden talents? 🐦
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Ducky the Leopard Tortoise is showing off his beautifully patterned shell. Why does he always carry a camera around? Come visit him and the rest of the herd for a relaxing outdoor break.
👆 Tap to reveal answer!
✨ To take plenty of shell-fies!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Treat yourself to a relaxing outdoor escape and come visit our Northern Red-bellied Cooter crew! Before you head out, what is a turtle's favorite summer treat? Check our website to see what's lined up for Boo at Zoo this fall.
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Chickens can be pretty sneaky when they're foraging for snacks around the yard. What do you call a mischievous chicken? Gates are open today—come visit the flock, and check our events page for Boo at the Zoo details!
👆 Tap to reveal answer!
✨ A poultry-geist!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Where does a pelican go when he needs a quick checkup? Our handsome Brown Pelican is ready to enjoy today's dry, warm weather, likely finding a nice shady spot to relax as the afternoon warms up. Come enjoy a screen-free family day in the fresh air!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Good morning! Our Muscovy duck flock is starting the weekend with a quick riddle: How do they pay for their morning coffee?
👆 Tap to reveal answer!
✨ They just put it on their bill!
🥕 SANCTUARY CARE
🥕 🐾 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!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Timmy, our Southeast Asian box turtle, is spending his day taking summer shell-fies. He loves showing off his unique hinged shell. If we haven't yet, we'd love to see you this Labor Day Weekend! Open September 6th and 7th from 9 am to 3 pm!
SANCTUARY UPDATE
🌍 🐾 International Vulture Awareness Day | 3 Palms Zoo
Black Vultures play a vital ecological role, clearing away carcasses to stop dangerous diseases in their tracks. Unlike other scavengers, these sharp-eyed birds hunt by sight and even share meals with their tight-knit family members. Did you know vultures formed such devoted family bonds? Today is International Vulture Awareness Day, celebrating nature's ultimate clean-up crew!
You can meet our resident Black Vultures up close at 3 Palms Zoo in Townsend, DE! Admission is just $6.00—check our website to plan your weekend adventure.
📚 DEEP DIVE
📚 🐾 THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY | Peafowl
Did you know only the flashy males are called peacocks, while the females are peahens? Together, our gorgeous birds are called peafowl! 🦚 They spend their sunny summer days foraging the grounds for crunchy insects, seeds, and fresh greens.
Despite their large size, they possess a hidden superpower: they can launch into flight to roost safely high in tall trees every night! 🌳 Add in the boys' spectacular six-foot feather trains, and this flock is truly unforgettable.
Come share your thoughts with our keepers when you visit this weekend! 🌿 👇
☀️ DAILY VIBE
It is a beautiful, warm day to pack a picnic and hang out by the pond with our waterfowl. Why do these feathered friends make such great detectives? Visiting us today helps support their daily care and fresh grain.
👆 Tap to reveal answer!
✨ They always quack the case!
☀️ DAILY VIBE
Summer went by in a flash. With Appoquinimink schools starting up this Monday (and Smyrna not far behind), we want to give the kids one last proper summer send-off this weekend!
It's shaping up to be a mostly dry, beautiful weekend to get outside and visit all the animals before the school routine kicks into full gear. Chip & Dale are already primed to spend the weekend popping out to say hello.
Make the most of the nice weather while it's here. Check our hours and directions on the website, and we’ll see you at the zoo!