Let animals brighten your day in self-isolation with virtual zoo encounters

There’s no denying self-isolation can become a little tedious after a few weeks, having already worked your way through a list of “must-watch” Netflix shows and cleaned everything from top to bottom. But now there’s a new way to pass the time, as zoos across the country have set up cameras in animal enclosures and are live-streaming the animals’ antics via the Internet.

So, instead of sitting around feeling bored, you can watch everything from penguins and lions to farm animals such as goats and chickens enjoying themselves throughout the day. Better yet, it’s completely free and some even include educational sessions about the creatures that you can pass on to the grandkids.

Zoos Victoria

Bored of Netflix, Stan and Foxtel? Fear not, as Zoos Victoria has created the perfect way to bring some happiness to your life during these trying times.

Cameras have been set up in Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo, giving people across the globe the chance to watch animals frolicking about throughout the day from the comfort of their own home.

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From adorable snow leopard cubs and penguins to zebras and lions, the animals are on full display for the public to view at any time of the day. All the live-streams are available through the Zoos Victoria website 24/7. However, you may have to check back a few times throughout the day to catch a glimpse because the cameras can’t capture the whole enclosure and, like humans, they enjoy wandering about their enclosures.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

If you’re a grandparent then you’ve probably heard of the movie Happy Feet. It features some adorable penguins, one in particular who is struggling to fit in with the rest of his clan. The animated movie is a big hit, but do you know what’s even better? Watching real penguins strolling about in real time.

With its doors currently closed to the public, the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is live-streaming its animals instead, including the penguins and a Dugong called Pig. The videos also feature talks by some of the keepers who care for the animals. So, even though you might not be able to see your grandkids at the moment you can watch the videos from the safety of your own homes and help them to learn about the cute creatures.

Edgar’s Mission

If you want to help out a not-for-profit organisation, while also bringing some joy to your life, you can tune into Edgar Mission‘s regular live-stream of its cute farm animals. The Victorian animal shelter has, like many other places, been forced to close amid the Covid-19 outbreak and it needs all the support it can get during these tough times.

While many won’t have any extra money to donate to the shelter, you can simply show your support by watching and sharing the videos uploaded to the Edgar Mission Facebook page. And trust us – they will brighten your day.

In the videos you’ll see goats, chickens, pigs and sheep getting their daily feed, as well as some commentary from organisation founder Pam Ahern.

Australian Reptile Park

The popular Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales is keeping Aussies happy with the launch of its daily live-streams and education sessions for children in self-isolation across the country. Each day live videos are posted to the park’s Facebook page featuring different animals and talks by the park’s keepers.

One of the first to be streamed featured Hugo the tortoise, while others have given viewers an insight into Tasmanian Devils and Tawny Frogmouths. The videos are great for the grandchildren to enjoy, as well as you, and can help keep you connected to nature.

The live-streams are published to the park’s social media page from Monday to Friday at 2pm, while the educational sessions are posted at 10am.