3 Palms Zoo, Blackbird State Forest Travel Guide

4.5 (229)

Experience immersive animal encounters at Delaware's rescue zoo, where education and compassion meet rescued wildlife.

3 Palms Zoo in Townsend, DE, is more than a typical zoo; it's a rescue and education center providing sanctuary for surrendered, forgotten, and non-releasable wild animals. Visitors can experience immersive animal encounters with a variety of rescued creatures.

A brief summary to 3 Palms Zoo

1060 Vandyke Greenspring Rd, Townsend, Delaware, 19734, US
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Monday 9 am-3 pm
Tuesday 9 am-3 pm
Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
Thursday 9 am-3 pm
Friday 9 am-3 pm
Saturday 9 am-3 pm
Sunday 9 am-3 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring 3 Palms Zoo.

Check the zoo's website or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary depending on the weather.
Bring quarters for the animal feed dispensers to enhance your interactive experience with the animals.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking around the outdoor exhibits.
Consider bringing your own snacks and water, although petting zoo food is available for purchase.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Redden State Forest

Rockwood Park & Museum

Nemours Estate

Lums Pond State Park

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Explore 3 Palms Zoo on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near 3 Palms Zoo, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

3 Palms Zoo is located at 1060 Vandyke Greenspring Rd, Townsend, DE 19734. From the center of Townsend, head east on Main Street toward Edgar Road. Continue onto Vandyke Greenspring Road, and the zoo will be on your left. Parking is available on-site. Be aware that the zoo is located down a roughly mile-long dirt pathway.
Public Transport

While there is no direct public transportation to 3 Palms Zoo, you can take a DART bus to a nearby town like Smyrna or Middletown and then take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the zoo. From Smyrna, a taxi or ride-share will cost approximately $20-$30. From Middletown, the cost will be around $25-$35.

Discover more about 3 Palms Zoo

3 Palms Zoo & Education Center, located in Townsend, Delaware, offers a unique and immersive animal experience for all ages. Unlike a typical zoo, 3 Palms is dedicated to rescuing and providing a sanctuary for animals in need. Many of its residents are former pets that were surrendered, forgotten, or even illegally owned. Others are non-releasable wild animals transferred from state-licensed rehabilitators.The zoo features a diverse collection of animals, including domestic farm animals like llamas, goats, cows, ducks, sheep, mini pigs, rabbits, emus, and giant tortoises, all available for hand-feeding and petting. Visitors can also see a variety of wildlife, such as silver foxes, skunks, coyotes, raccoons, and Delaware's only alligator exhibit. The zoo also has a quarter-acre pond that houses various waterfowl, including geese, ducks, and the zoo's popular brown pelicans, Pete and Repeat. Keep an eye out for turtles basking in the sun near the pond's edge.Interactive animal encounters are a highlight, with opportunities to feed and interact with many of the residents. The zoo's mission is to educate the public about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership while providing a safe and loving home for its rescued animals.