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Above and at top, otters Mac and Tuck quickly make themselves at home at the Delmarva Discovery Center. Tuck, a rescue otter, makes himself very comfortable in his new spacious home at the Delmarva Discovery Center. The Discovery Center is located in Pocomoke City. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Delmarva Discovery Museum on Eastern Shore to close permanently
The Delmarva Discovery Museum has announced on Facebook that its last day in operation will be Friday, March 20.
UPDATE: Museum on Eastern Shore raises fund to reopen, thanks community
The museum, a favorite destination for children’s groups, had been open on Market Street in downtown Pocomoke City since 2008. The museum held a 10th anniversary celebration in July of 2018.
Exhibits at the museum include a live touch pool, where visitors can come up and touch animals that are native to the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays, a hands-on beaver lodge and an interactive, life size steamship.
The museum’s most enticing attraction through the years was its two otters, Mac and Tuck. Visitors could watch the otters play throughout the museum’s glass tank and land area.
Here’s what museum Executive Director Christy Gordon shared in the Facebook announcement about its looming closure:
“It is with heavy hearts that the Delmarva Discovery Museum’s Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to close the museum on Friday afternoon, March 20, 2026.
“This decision follows ongoing financial challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to sustain operations at an acceptable level into the foreseeable future. We know this news will be disappointing to many who care deeply about the museum and its role in our community.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support that our community has shown over the years. That support has helped us bring educational programs, exhibits, and our beloved animals to many thousands of visitors, students, and families throughout the region.
“We want to reassure everyone that the well-being of our animals – especially Mac and Tuck, our beloved river otters – remains our highest priority. Our staff is working closely with accredited aquariums, wildlife centers, and other qualified institutions to ensure that every animal in our care is placed in a safe, professional environment where they will continue to receive excellent care.”
Reporting by Keith Demko, Salisbury Daily Times / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
