Outdoors

5 animal and nature streams you can watch right now

Colourful jellyfish Photo by Guitar photographer/Shutterstock

Whether you enjoy a walk or hike on weekends, or heading to your local aquarium, most of us can agree a few days a week spent being one with nature adds a little balance and relaxation to our lives. This is especially important right now, when we’re getting outside less and using technology more. However, the two have found a way to come together right when we need them most—nature cams with live video are the way to get your outdoors fix while staying home.

From animals to flowers, you can find a stream for almost any activity you’d love to be out and about doing. Here are our five favourite (plus a few bonus ones) that we’ll be watching all weekend long.

Warrior Canine Connection Puppy Cam

Yes, you read that right—you can watch puppies all day thanks to this Maryland non-profit that trains dogs to help act as therapeutic pals for Veterans. “Ooh” and “aah” over the little ones playing, napping, cuddling, and getting cozy with their mama. This stream is for anyone who has always wanted to spend a weekend inside an animal shelter.

Watch the puppies.

Kitten Rescue Los Angeles Cat Cam

And if you’re more of a cat person (hey, we don’t judge!), you’ll want to tune into this live stream of the nursery. Watch the kittens play and pounce with their friends, give each other loads of kisses, and nap…a lot. Sounds like the purrfect Sunday to us!

Watch the kittens.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Jelly Cam

We think of this as the ASMR of nature streams. Watching the colours of jellyfish as they slowly move around the screen will hypnotize you and take all your stress away. Let the family gather around the screen for a virtual (and free) visit to the aquarium—something we know we’d normally find you up to on the weekend.

See the jellyfish.

Bella’s Hummingbird Nest

One benefit of these video nature streams is that we can get close and personal more than ever before with some of the most amazing wildlife. Watch these hummingbirds feed, nest, and hatch—something very few people get to see. If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds to your own backyard, try making this easy DIY feeder.

Watch the hummingbirds. 

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve Live Stream

Head to the rolling hills of California and take in all the beautiful colours and flowers—there are so many, we swear you’ll almost be able to smell the sweetness through your screen. This yearly mega bloom will not only bring a smile to your face, but it’ll bring spring right into your house no matter what the weather is like outside. Plus, allergy sufferers who love fresh blooms can enjoy with zero side effects!

See the flowers.

Bonus: Zoo Cams

There are quite a few zoos that have put up cameras throughout their different exhibits. So whether you have an interest in giraffes, butterflies, or even naked mole-rats, chances are there is live cam for you. Check out the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the San Diego Zoo for some of the best variety.

Looking for more live streams and virtual events? Check out these tours that you can take of some of the most famous museums around the world.