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If you miss being in contact with nature because of COVID-19 or just want to see what’s happening in different jungles, forests, zoos, aquariums or nature reserves around the world then you’re in luck! Below are 6 websites that offer a one-of-a-kind virtual experience of different animal habitats, allowing users to explore underwater reefs, elephant sanctuaries and more. For more information on these websites check them out below and begin your very own virtual animal journey today.
Nature Conservancy Australia
Photo: Julian Finn, The Nature Conservancy
Would you like to dive into the ocean and see one of Australia’s most spectacular underwater reefs? On this website you can do just that without leaving your home. Nature Conservancy Australia showcases the marine life around Port Phillip Bay via its Reef Cam Underwater page, where you will see live broadcasts from the bottom of the sea with views of seaweed, goldfish, and corals that will blow your mind! Once you start heading to the surface you can switch cameras and see what’s going on at the nearby pier and check out the beautiful flocks of yellow-headed birds that usually rest there.
These cameras are powered by solar energy so they are only on during the day, but, we recommend viewing the prerecorded featured clips, which are just as fascinating.
The Explorer Wildlife Channel
A mother panda bear with her two young cubs at the Shenshuping Gengda Panda Center sanctuary. Photo: explore.org
The website Explore.org offers 12 live cameras of animals in their natural habitat, showing both the reserves and sanctuaries of endangered creatures. Here you will see an array of animals from crocodiles swimming in shallow pools, to condors feeding their young and adorable panda bears playing in trees.
Also on display are beautiful water wells in front of different mountains in Africa, allowing you to see all different kinds of animals as they walk over to drink water. Previous viewers have been lucky enough to see a group of rhinos, lions and elephants so be on the lookout.
Animals On Display At EarthCam
View of penguins in Antarctica via a live camera at the German Antarctic Station.
If you want to see how different kinds of animals live around the world or take a virtual peek into places that are typically inaccessible to humans, we recommend you check out, EarthCam. This global network of live streaming web cams was created so that people can freely explore the world from unimaginable places such as the torch balcony at the Statue of Liberty, which has been closed to the public since 1916.
On its page solely dedicated to animals, you will see live cameras broadcasting from remote places such as the Djuma Game reserve in South Africa, or the famous Arenal volcano in Costa Rica, which has been one of the most active volcanos in the world since 2010. You will also be able to see the University of North Alabama’s lions sanctuary, panda bears in different reserves in China, bison at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Illinois, along with otters at the Monterrey Bay aquarium and penguins in their natural habitat, thanks to the very first live camera in Antarctica.
Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee
Two of the elephants rescued by the Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary.
For elephant lovers, this last website on our list will probably be your favorite. Elephants, have been adored by several ancient cultures, however, they are unfortunately in danger of being extinct, as a result many organizations around the world are trying to preserve the species. One of these organizations is the Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary, which is considered the largest elephant refuge in the United States with 11 rescued elephants. This website offers four live cameras located in the huge forests where these animals live. Search for the ‘Elecam’ once you are on the site and get up close and personal to these amazing giants all from the comfort of your home. ■
