Stuck at home? No worries. Tune in for a virtual adventure into the wild!
We get it. It’s week [fill in number here] of working from home and staying in to help flatten the curve. And there are only so many things you can do indoors. Like take a virtual tour of tourist hotspots. Or keep fit with workout apps. Or walk down the streets of popular cities (behind a screen, of course). Free online courses to better yourself are great and all, but sometimes you just want to keep it light-hearted. And we’ve got just the thing for you! Get ready for the warm fuzzies. ‘Cos here come the coolest animal livestreams – from wildlife to marine creatures – across the globe. Too. Cute.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo: Giant pandas
To keep up with the giant pandas at this popular attraction in Washington DC, just click play on their webcams. Tian Tian and Mei Xiang may not always be visible on the 24/7 animal livestream, but that’s what makes it a special treat when they can be spotted gnawing away on bamboo or tumbling around on the grass.
Tembe Elephant Park: Elephants, rhinoceros and buffalo
A Big Five game reserve in South Africa, Tembe Elephant Park has been protecting elephants since 1983. It’s the ancestral home of the Tembe tribe, who are the owners and managers of the park and lodge. So you’d like to get up close to some of the continent’s largest elephants? Check in on wild animals like lions, leopards, black and white rhinos, and buffalos from your viewpoint at one of the waterholes.
Georgia Aquarium: Penguins, beluga whales and sea lions
Home to countless species of sea life in Atlanta, this aquarium is offering viewers insights to some of its residents. Watch beluga whales drifting in the water and have a stare-down with tiny gators. Or tune in to the underwater antics of penguins hanging out with their keepers. For more fun times, the lively sea lions playing with their floating toys will definitely put a smile on your face.
Zoos Victoria: Tree kangaroos, zebras and snow leopard cubs
A conservation organisation that helms Australia’s Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria is livestreaming scenes from its parks so audiences can get the #AnimalsAtHome experience. As the tree kangaroos, snow leopard cubs and lions wander the grounds, you can pop in for a peek to see if they’re in view of the camera. Or make a date with penguins, zebras and giraffes during their daily feeding times!
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: Otters, civet cats and birds
We’ve got animal cams on our very own sunny island! Keeping an eye on the flora and fauna of this nature spot, these livestreams bring the great outdoors to your home. Pick from any of the three angles and settle in to watch curious otters. If you’re lucky, you might just catch a peek of a grey heron, giant mudskipper, stork-billed kingfisher, yellow bittern, or even civet cats.
San Diego Zoo: Koalas, tigers and apes
One of the most popular wildlife attractions, this California park is home to baboons, penguins, polar bears, apes, koalas, giraffes, butterflies, elephants, tigers, owls and condors. All of which you can admire from afar on the ongoing animal livestreams. It’s like a virtual trip to the zoo! Take note: They may be sleeping in the afternoons because of the time difference. But let’s face it – these days, you’ve got all the time in the world to sit around and wait for an elusive creature to pop up on your screen.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Jellyfish, sharks and sea otters
The aquarium in California may be closed to visitors for now, but you can still feast your eyes on the beauty of marine life. Just tune in to one of its ten live cams to marvel at the wonders of the ocean. From swimming with tropical fishes in the coral reef to calming your anxiety with the mesmerising, slow motion drifting of jellyfish (some of ‘em even glow!), there’s plenty to watch. Our faves? The frolicking sea otters, majestic sharks and playful African penguins.
Wapusk National Park: Polar bears
The Canadian park is home to arctic foxes, wolves, caribou and one of the world’s largest polar bear maternity dens. If you’re up for an icy adventure, view the livestream from Cape Churchill. From friendly frolics to snowy shenanigans, these polar bears are nothing if not amazing to watch! Once the furry white animals start play-fighting, you’ll be unable to tear your eyes away from the screen.
Blue Spring State Park: Manatees
Passionate about sea life? You might’ve heard about Save the Manatee Club, a conservation organisation that protects these marine animals and their habitats. It’s offering a glimpse into the lives of manatees – both underwater and above – at Blue Spring State Park and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Florida.
Grace Gorilla Forest Corridor: Gorillas
The place: Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mission: To care for rescued Grauer’s gorillas and advocate for the conservation of these wild creatures and their habitats. Those patient enough will be rewarded with intriguing sights of the animals playing and eating in their forest home.
National Aquarium: Sharks, rays and fishes
If you’re the type to gaze at the almost-hypnotic turquoise beauty of marine life for hours on end, check out this non-profit aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. Its Blacktip Reef, Pacific Coral Reef and Jellies Invasion cams showcase everything you love about underwater creatures. Watch vibrant-coloured fishes dart through delicate corals, follow the journey of graceful rays, and spot Nemo and his clownfish cousins in their habitat.
