Discover Delmarva: Coastal Wilds
FRANKFORD, De-Coastal Wilds is home to a large assortment of animals from all across the world. Brand Manager Zach Bova tells us the experience here is much different than your typical zoo. “Coastal Wilds is home to 40 different animal ambassadors. We like to focus on hands-on experiences with these unique animals, such as Kangaroos, Camels, Otters, Sloths, and Capybaras.”
As you step inside the friendly confines. You’re greeted with some of the newest arrivals here at the park. “We’ve added a couple of Capybaras. A Grant Zebra named Bones and his buddies Blanch and Dorthy, who are mini donkeys. We also have Curl-crested Aracari, their names are Skittles and Starburst, and we’ve got Kookaburra’s over there too, Paulie and Vinnie.” Who doesn’t love the world’s largest and cutest rodent! As for the Curl-crusted Aracari, they’re just the fun-sized version in the toucan family. Skittles & Starburst fit their names quite nicely with their vibrant and colorful coat. Now, if you think you’ve never heard of a Kookaburra before, you are mistaken! These birds have been featured in a variety of movies, often during jungle scenes, with their world-famous laugh coming from this tiny bird.
Bova tells us that while not every animal is safe to be up close and personal with, there are plenty of ways to get hands-on with the animal ambassadors. “Whether it’s a high five from an Otter or it’s petting a kangaroo or it’s even getting a kiss from Ben & Jerry our Camels.” I struck out on a high five from the Otters because it was breakfast time.. I wouldn’t choose the news guy either! However, we got to meet Ben and Jerry Kolby, and I passed on the camel kiss, but we did get closer than I was expecting, feeding them some much-needed brunch.
From reptiles, armadillos, sloths, and iguanas, you never know what you’ll find in each building. Creating memories with animals you can’t find anywhere else on Delmarva. Their famous Kangaroos and Wallabies are a truly up-close experience. You can’t find it anywhere else on Delmarva.
Bova says they have time-sensitive encounters with baby otters over the next couple of weeks. While they are also preparing for their Brews and Roos festival on September 13th, you can check out their list of experiences and events during the coming months. Just visit the website.
