While safe at home social distancing, we’re also looking for ways to keep ourselves connected to the outside world. And, what better way than some one on one time with the animal kingdom? We’ve lined up 10 animal cams across the nation from puppies to penguins that you can stream live straight from your couch. While COVID-19 has affected all of us, it’s also hit zoos, aquariums, and animal sanctuaries especially hard. If you choose, feel free to follow the “donate here” button next to each featured organization to contribute. Follow our collection here featuring 10+ animal cams, and read on for the live cam lowdown:
Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey, CA
This ocean front aquarium in Monterey has everything from sea otters to seaweeds. They’re committed to conservation and connecting visitors with the ocean. Their live Jellyfish cam might just be the most magical thing you’ve seen all week. Donate here.
In real life: “My absolute favorite area is the jellyfish! SO SO RELAXING & such fascinating creatures! Besides the “famous” Sea Nettle species, I couldn’t take my eyes off the Spotted comb & Sea Gooseberry ones! They just don’t look real!” – Donna S.
Katmai National Park – King Salmon, AK
Katmai National Park in Alaska serves as protected land to thousands of Brown Bears and King Salmon. Each year, tourists from all over the world travel to this remote area to watch Brown Bears catching King Salmon straight from the river. Luckily, you can also watch it live late June through early October. Donate here.
In real life: “You know those pictures you see of the grizzly bears standing atop a waterfall with a salmon in their mouth? Those photos are more likely than not taken at Katmai National Park. Katmai is home to Brooks Falls where the Bristol Bay salmon run swims and swims… It’s so hard to put into words, this was an absolutely incredible experience.” – Krista M.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Colorado Springs, CO
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located on a mountainside overlooking Colorado Springs. They are a leader in conservation and house more than 30 endangered species. At the zoo, visitors have the opportunity to interact and feed the giraffes. We can get pretty close, too, with their live giraffe cam daily from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm MDT. Donate here.
In real life: “You start off with the highlight of the whole zoo – feeding the giraffes. This is SO much fun; the giraffes just stick their tongue out, expecting you to feed them. Be careful with your belongings! One giraffe dug through our stroller and took some paper. :)” – Cat S.
San Diego Zoo – San Diego, CA
For more than a century, the San Diego Zoo has been committed to conservation science and saving endangered species. The zoo is home to nine African Elephants, many of them rescued from South Africa. You can watch them live between 7:30am to 7:30pm PST! Donate here.
In real life: “My favorite animals are the elephants, and yesterday I got to see them be fed by the keepers! It was truly special. Elephants are truly gentle giants and I love seeing them! They are all so beautiful and unique in their own way.” – Audrey H.
Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park – Homosassa, FL
At Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, manatees are living in a natural Florida Spring which serves as a manatee rehabilitation center in addition to a manatee sanctuary. We can watch their live manatee cam here 24 hours a day! Donate here.
In real life: “The favorite was the underwater viewing area for manatees. They were fed lettuce when we were there and 3-4 ate right in front of us.” –Matt K.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park – Washington, DC
The Smithsonian National Zoological park is always free to enter and houses more than 2,700 animals representing 390 species. The Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, making it the world’s largest museum and research complex. You can watch their two giant pandas, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, live! Donate here.
In real life: “We arrived right at feeding time and could get right next to the giant panda enclosures inside the Panda House. All three were chowing down on bamboo and it was so fun to watch them.” – Karen F.
Aquarium of The Pacific – Long Beach, CA
Aquarium of The Pacific’s mission is to spread stewardship for the Pacific Ocean and its ecosystems. They’re home to nearly 12,000 animals and more than 100 exhibits – including penguins! Watch their Magellanic Penguin cam live! Donate here.
In real life: “Two of the penguin specialists were there and brought one of the penguins outside to hang out with us. We got to pet the penguin and play with her. It was honestly so fun!” – Allison W.
Kitten Rescue – Los Angeles, CA
Kitten Rescue is a non-profit and volunteer run organization that facilitates adoptions for homeless cats. Much of their focus is on education and responsible pet guardianship – true feline patrons! You can even check out the kitten cam live from their nursery. Donate here.
In real life: “Kitten Rescue has adopted out over 17,000 cats into loving homes… They treat all of their feline residents as honored guests… If you are considering adopting a cat or kitten, you should definitely contact Kitten Rescue.” – Joe L.
Bronx Zoo – Bronx, NY
The Bronx Zoo sits on 265 acres of wooded land in New York City. With over 700 species, they have everything from Tanzanian toads to Russian big cats. You can also watch their Sea Lion pool featuring the Californian Sea Lion (including a “pup”!) with daily live feedings at 11am and 3pm EST. Donate here.
In real life: “My favorite exhibits are the sea lions… go see them during feeding time – they are a RIOT! and there’s a baby sea lion there right now too… so cute!” – Aimee A.
Guide Dogs of America – Sylmar, CA
Guide Dogs of America empowers individuals to live with independence and confidence by matching them to expertly trained service dog partners. GDA breeds Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, and we can get an inside peek via their nursery cam. Donate here.
In real life: “Guide Dogs of America is an amazing place where passionate staff and volunteers come together for the purpose of breeding, raising and training life-changing Guide dogs to place with blind and visually impaired individuals.” – Kristine C.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our blog post on Five Ways You Can Support Local Businesses during Coronavirus or Virtual Tours of Museums, Historic Sites, Theme Parks, and More Right from Your Couch
