Wildlife encounters close to the coast are not as elusive as you may believe. Perhaps you already know about the numerous parks, nature centers, and even ranger/volunteer-led educational programs offered along the greater Delmarva shoreline. Visits to such places as Assateague Island and Indian River can especially appeal to those looking for an impromptu car trip away from the standard beach day. But for those who seek guaranteed creature encounters, you don’t have to work too hard at spotting out in nature, there’s an alternative—a traditional, organized zoo or aquarium excursion guaranteed to up the ante. But are there really any zoos and aquariums in a convenient range to the Mid-Atlantic beach location you’re currently at? The answer is a surprising “yes.” Here are six suggested Delmarva Coast options you have to check out.
Coastal Wilds
Located in Frankford, Delaware, Coastal Wilds provides the perfect answer for those looking to have unique one-on-one animal encounters. Formerly established as Barn Hill Preserve, the newly-branded Coastal Wilds is home to 35 diverse species among such animals as otters, sloths, kangaroos, wallabies, lynxes, camels, spider monkeys, capybaras, aardvarks, fennec foxes, Watusi cattle, owls, ravens, rheas, chinchillas, rabbits, hedgehogs, tenrecs, guinea pigs, alpacas, ducks, chickens, tortoises, lizards, armadillos, and snakes.
Because they are a privately owned operation, seasonal hours and dates for when they are open vary. Most programs and specials must be booked in advance, including fall and winter festival dates and breakfast/brunch engagements.
Some of their unique packages include Sippin’ with Sloths: Summer Sessions, Brews & Roos, Kangaroos & Comedy offerings, Kangaroo Yoga Sessions, and even Otter Swim Encounters—one of their most popular, albeit priciest picks. That’s right, adults and kids alike get the rare opportunity to enjoy a three-hour full-tour of the park that includes a 45-minute swim in the pool with the zoo’s own resident animals.
Coastal Wilds makes it their mission to “not only showcase the beauty of these incredible creatures but also to instill a sense of responsibility and empowerment in our guests to make a positive impact on the environment.”
Visit Coastal Wilds at 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford, DE 19945. Discover more on their website at www.coastalwilds.org.
Brandywine Zoo
At just over 4.7 acres, Brandywine Zoo is perfect proof of that old saying about great things coming in small packages. Having opened back in 1905, this wild Wilmington-based destination features a fanciful menagerie of creatures. Some are common critters, while others are of a far more exotic nature.
As part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, they even house highly endangered species on location here, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind chance to see animals you can’t find anywhere else, not even in nature in some cases.
The diversified lineup of resident animals here includes those from many different regions. This makes for many different exhibits and displays that cater to each one’s essential needs and comforts, as would be presented in the wild. Some hail from tropical regions, while others are from temperate areas in North and South America, Asia, and even parts of Africa. From goats to giant anteaters, bobcats to lemurs, binturongs to toucans, and so many others, you’ll definitely be in awe by taking this delightful little detour!
Brandywine Zoo is located at 1001 N Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802. They are open daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Discover more on their website at www.brandywinezoo.org.
3 Palms Zoo
In contrast to Brandywine, 3 Palms Zoo is the state’s largest. Located in Townsend, it’s also the only zoo in Delaware boasting an Alligator Exhibit, Eastern Coyote, and Silver Foxes. With a primary focus on rescued and surrendered animals, the residents here largely comprise former pets, displaced exotics, and non-releasable wildlife.
A wide range of traditional barnyard animals make their permanent home here. These include sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, pigs, rabbits, emus, and many others. Additionally, you’ll find skunks, raccoons, pelicans, owls, exotic birds, turtles, and the previously mentioned foxes, coyotes, and alligators.
The zoo offers guests the added incentive to take part in hands-on experiences, which vary by specific offering. Updates to events and what is being promoted at a given time are updated on the website regularly.
Visit 3 Palms Zoo at 1060 Vandyke Greenspring Road, Townsend, DE 19734. All other information about seasonal hours of operation, admission costs, and encounters/events can be found at www.3palmszoo.org.
Salisbury Zoo
This admission-free zoological park based in Salisbury, Maryland, may very well be the East Coast’s best hidden gem for ultimate animal lovers. Yet it’s actually been around since the 1950s!
Boasting a wealth of attractive features, the impressive come-and-go-as-you-please venue offers endless opportunities on how to plan your day. You can go at your own pace, take the exhibits and attractions in any order, and enjoy an all-around relaxed, low-key experience without breaking your budget!
The permanent residents here include well over 100 diverse creatures of various species. They hail from North and South America, the vast wilds of Australia, and beyond. Their Andean Bear attraction is an especially unique offering. You can even view a live feed of the camera from your computer at home!
In addition to being a free zoo, most of the events and programs offered here are also free to participate in (except otherwise specified). It may be a smaller zoo, but its amenities are far grander than expected!
The Salisbury Zoo is located at 755 S. Park Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804. Learn more on their website at www.salisburyzoo.org.
Hunt Club Farm
While not as widely renowned as some other notable venues in the area, this farm and educational center combo, based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, truly is a hidden marvel to be explored. Situated along a 35-acre farm, they offer a wide range of experiences that cater to visitors of all ages and interests.
Because they are open daily and year-round, you will find plentiful ongoing happenings any time you visit. These include seasonal festivals and special events, featured programs, and changing presentations and activities in addition to all the regular offerings. But take note, there really isn’t anything “regular” about regular offerings here. Everything goes way above and beyond the norm!
As for their noted petting zoo pleasantries, you’ll find a calming and comforting experience among the vast abundance of creatures who call this farm home. Most are, of course, of the usual farm-based family. Some of the specialties they offer onsite include cow-cuddling opportunities, TreeWalk adventures, and their impressive Birdwalk Aviary.
Hunt Club Farm can be found at 2388 London Bridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Learn more on the website at www.huntclubfarm.com.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
Also located in Virginia Beach, you can enjoy this amazing all-in-one endeavor. Originally operating as the Virginia Marine Science Museum, expansions through the years have transformed this optimal aquatic attraction into a truly remarkable, can’t-miss experience for all ages and interests.
Exhibits and attractions here are housed within the two main buildings. Highlights include more than 800,000 gallons of both fresh and saltwater displays, and well over 12,000 unique animals representing 700+ diverse species. These consist of fish and other marine creatures that live in the water, reptiles, amphibians, and even mammals.
Although separate, the buildings are connected by a one-third-mile nature trail running parallel to the resident Owls Creek Salt Marsh. There’s also a contested aerial Adventure Park on the premises, featuring some of the guaranteed best-ever rope-climbing and ziplining around!
Excitement awaits whenever you visit and whatever you choose to pursue on your visit here. One of the many stand-out experiences to consider is Virtual Reality Pods. These allow visitors to enjoy fully immersive simulators with stunning wrap-around sound and multi-directional movement, taking deep-sea animal encounters to a whole other level of engagement!
Parents with young ’uns may want to take note of the special Toddler Programs offered here on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. These provide ongoing fun via in-house programs that are free with Aquarium admission!
Even during the colder winter months, they partner with Rover Cruises to offer whale watching tours. Likewise, when it is warm, there are dolphin watching tours to consider.
There is an endless array of optimal options awaiting any visit to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. You just have to experience it for yourself!
You will find Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center at 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Learn more on the website at www.virginiaaquarium.com.
So many surprising wild wonders can be discovered close to the coast, many in an unexpectedly pleasant, convenient range to where you are. You just need to know where to look, and now you do!
By: LC Hermoza