The peaceful respite of nature is something we all take for granted but have surely been craving while huddling indoors due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the soothing tinkles of a river or the various cries of wildlife may seem to be another world away at the moment, technology affords us a natural experience of a more virtual kind with live streams from some of the most famous wildlife reserves across the globe. Here are a few of our favourite picks to get you back into nature while remaining firmly indoors.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska
This live feed focuses on the Brooks Falls area of the park where brown bears convene to catch fresh salmon from the stream. There seems to always be action happening on the feed and during sundown hours, a highlight reel plays until the live stream picks up again at dawn. At the right time of year, you can also spot a few fluffy cubs.
The Kruger National Park, South Africa
South Africa’s premiere National Park is currently closed due to the National Lockdown, but the live stream videos scattered throughout the park are still operational. You’re bound to catch sight of some of the indigenous wildlife (especially in the absence of the regular tourists) on one of the feeds, particularly those around the watering holes.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The Yellowstone park is giant, spreading across three states. It’s famous for its erupting geysers, including the aptly named Old Faithful which erupts precisely every 92 minutes. You can catch the eruption on this live stream direct from the park to your computer screen.
The Nature Conservatory, Australia
Take a dive down under with this live stream of one of Australia’s coastal coral reefs. This feed shows one in the Port Phillips Bay area and it will give you all the Finding Nemo feels! Great to keep little ones entertained for hours.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington
Located in Washington, DC, the National Zoo brings hundreds of thousands of tourists to its exhibits every year, and the age of social distancing hasn’t changed a thing. Viewers are now able to watch the famous panda enclosure through a live stream. Tian Tian and Mei Xiang will steal your heart within minutes, even from hundreds of miles away!
Ngala & Djuma, South Africa
WildEarth and travel company And Beyond have teamed up to bring viewers sunrise and sunset live streamed game drives through two private game reserves in South Africa. The drives are 2-3 hours long and run on a schedule so you can plan to fit one into your quarantine diary.
Monterey Bay Aquarium, California
This Californian aquarium runs an ongoing “Jelly Cam” so that you can watch the soothing movements of its resident jellyfish. There are also live stream cameras of a variety of other exhibits, including sharks, penguins and sea otters.
We hope that these live streams allow you to bask in the wonders of nature while keeping safe at home during these uncertain times. You may find yourself still turning in long after things have returned to normal for a virtual reconnection with the natural world.
Sources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lavanyasunkara/2020/03/16/stuck-at-home-connect-with-nature-through-these-invigorating-live-feeds/#515bf2f77f60, https://www.businessinsider.co.za/best-webcams-south-africa-2020-4, https://www.insider.com/live-animal-cams-zoos-aquariums-watch-from-home-2020-3#the-aquarium-also-has-live-views-of-other-sea-species-like-penguins-sharks-and-otters-4
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