If you're looking for a unique day trip, visit this charming exotic animal zoo in Delaware. You'll find 3 Palms Zoo and Education Center in the tiny town of Townsend, Delaware. It is the only non-profit rescue zoo in Delaware, where every inhabitant that 3 Palms Zoo has brought in was either seized, abandoned, or deemed unreleasable by Wildlife Rehabilitators. On a visit to 3 Palms Zoo, you'll be able to enjoy exotic, wild, domestic, and agricultural animals in a natural woodland surrounding. You'll get to experience some up close and personal time with some of the more domestic animals, and you can feed and pet a dozen different species, including the Llamas, Alpaca, Donkey and Emu.

3 Palms Zoo has rescued many wild animals over the years, too, including a raccoon, groundhog, silver & red foxes and more. The habitats designed by 3 Palms Zoo to house these animals are built to suit their individual needs. Each animal has their own story, too, and zookeepers are happy to share their tales with you.

A visit to 3 Palms Zoo is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Delaware.

3 Palms Zoo is located at 1060 Vandyke Greenspring road

Townsend, DE 19734.

Each habitat has been designed by experts and built by employees and volunteers.

The zoo is always looking for animal lovers to assist on their mission, so if you're handy, you can help create the ever-evolving exhibits, too!

Perhaps the most gorgeous animals are the Red and Silver Foxes.

Princess, the Red Fox, is partially blind and unable to be released into the wild. Shylo, the Silver Fox, was surrendered by his owner who tried to keep him as a pet.

Twin, the Llama, loves to get up close and personal with visitors.

He was named "Twin" because he was the only Llama born in North America on 9/11/01.

Another favorite of nearly everyone who visits is Domenic the Donkey.

Domenic will hang out with you all day, as long as you're willing to pet him and fuss over him.

The main attraction at 3 Palms Zoo are the alligators! The first resident, Tik Tok, earned a reputation for being the star of an amazing animal encounter in Delaware.

Tick-Tock was rescued from a drug dealer and had lived in a tiny tank in a Wilmington Row Home. Now, she spends her days in the most incredible alligator exhibit. Today, she shares her habitat with another gator, Mr. Smee.

Hatter is one of my favorites - this gorgeous Indian peacock is such a sweetheart.

Photos of Hatter do not do him justice - you really need to see the gorgeous feathers and colors of this beautiful bird in person.

Of course, like any good zoo, you can take part in feeding of some of the animals.

The ducks and geese LOVE cracked corn, and will become your best friend once you spin the knob and get a handful of their favorite treat.

The chickens, which roam freely, make their agenda known, too.

These charming hens will make it clear that they want you to feed them, too - I swear, last time I was there, one was following me around saying "Corn? Corn?"

Learning the stories behind all of the rescued animals at 3 Palms Zoo will give you a great appreciation for wildlife and the affect humans have on natural habitats. This is one of the most educational trips I've taken in Delaware, and I would highly recommend it to anyone at all with a desire to see beautiful animals and learn more about conservation. The only dedicated exotic animal zoo in Delaware is sure to impress any nature lover. You can find admission and hours information here.

If you're looking for more wildlife to explore in Delaware, a visit to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge will show off natural wonders that you never realized were in the First State.