Is there anything in the world that can brighten your day quicker than an animal video? Whether you’re at home, working from the office, or in line at the store, animals are like candy; they provide an injection of pure pleasure straight into our brains. Of course, in the digital age, many zoos, aquariums and sanctuaries offer live 24/7 animal cams.
From farm life to wildlife, there’s a live animal cam for just about every type of species you can imagine. Below you’ll find a few of our favorites, courtesy of some of the world’s best animal rescue and nature centers. (For a more New Jersey-centric story, check out our spotlight on The Best Spots for Animal Lovers in NJ.)
Quick Click Guide: Select an animal to see their live cam.
| Eagle | Gorilla | Puppies | Penguins | Sheep |
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The Best Live Animal Cams
Decorah Eagles – Raptor Rescue Project
The Raptor Rescue Project keeps an eye on over 50 different bird nest sites throughout the country. The specialize in falcons and eagles, with live animal cams set up nearly inside the nest. The Raptor Rescue Project also offers free classroom visits and video courses, to teach all ages about animal conservation. Visit the website to learn more about their efforts.
Gorilla Forest Corridor – GRACE Center
The team at GRACE are experts on Gorilla rehabilitation and conservation education. In other words, they care and advocate for gorillas through special programs and their sanctuary to ensure their survival. GRACE is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, meaning they adhere to the highest standards of animal care. Their Gorilla animal cam showcases these amazing apes as they eat and relax together in their forest habitat. Visit their website to learn more about how you can help save a Gorilla.
Dog Nursery – Warrior Canine Connection
The Warrior Canine Connection group trains service dogs for veterans. But there’s a bit more to it than that. The program enlists returning veterans (“Warriors”) and involves them in the training process as part of their own therapeutic rehab. The end result is a puppy training program where veterans both receive the emotional and psychological rehab they need; as well as pay it forward by training a service dog for the future aid of a fellow veteran. Their animal cam is right in the center of the puppy nursery, so you can watch the playful pups daily. Visit their website for details.
Penguin Beach – Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is in Long Beach, California. They have a number of exhibits, and the staff embark on many conservation missions year-round. (For instance, the top photo of the feature is from their effort to save Sea Otters.) But it likely is no surprise that one of their most popular exhibits is the Penguin Habitat. They have a few cams set up both on land and in the water so folks can see them 24/7. Their beach cam offers up a fun look at how penguins interact with each other. Visit their website to learn more.
Sheep Barn Cam – Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary has shelter locations in Los Angeles, California and Watkins Glen, New York; each fosters the core tenants of rescue, education, and advocacy. Jon Stewart (Yeah, that Jon Stewart, former host of The Daily Show) and his wife Tracey even partner with the organization to rescue animals, some of whom live at their private sanctuary in New Jersey. Farm Sanctuary offers online courses, on-site tours, a variety of animal cams, and rescues a number of animal species. You can visit their website to learn more about them.
Visit Explore.org to find more live animal cams.
Top (Hero) Photo: Aquarium of the Pacific / Facebook
