Can't visit the zoo? These 9 animal live-streams will brighten up your self-isolation

From a US aquarium to baby pandas 24/7, these web cams are full of cuteness

The penguin camera at Monterey Bay Aquarium. YouTube / Monterey Bay Aquarium
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With many of us practising self-isolation or social distancing right now, taking a fun day trip is off the cards for the time being.

Visits to zoos, aquariums and parks are cancelled for most around the globe, with businesses and public spaces shutting up shop as part of measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

However, the critters at zoos, rescue centres and sanctuaries are still getting on with their day-to-day life, with teams still on hand to make sure they get fed and watered.

To help you keep a watchful eye on their animals, many venues also have live-streams and web cams set up.

So, if you're missing getting up-close to wildlife while you work from home, here are nine of the best feeds to check out when you need a little cheering up.

San Diego Zoo

The US zoo has several live cams in place, all of which are still running despite the venue being closed. You can check out everything from penguin and giraffes to polar bears and tigers in real time, while there's also pre-recorded footage from the panda enclosure (just bear in mind the time difference).

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The marine-focused destination in California has several cameras installed in its enclosures, with everything from otters and sharks to coral reefs under the lens. The highlight, however, has to be the penguin live-stream, where you can see the aquarium's curious African penguins waddle about.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

If pandas – especially baby ones –are more your thing, you'll find tonnes of them at this Chinese conservation sanctuary, which runs a 24/7 live stream.

Kitten Academy

This cat-fostering facility runs a daily live-stream featuring some of its cutest residents, who are also available to adopt. Unfortunately, it's based in the US so those of us in the UAE can't take these kitties home that easily.

Warrior Canine Connection

This US initiative trains puppies to work with both physically wounded and mentally impacted US military service members and their families. The live-stream of the puppy playroom, where dogs from four weeks ago can explore and socialise, is beyond adorable.

Georgia Aquarium

This marine destination has cameras fixed on everything from jellyfish to sea lions, but it's the live-stream of the beluga whale pool that's the cutest, in our humble opinion.

Animal Adventure Park

The New York zoo has everything from honey badgers to American bison in its currently closed pastures, but it only runs live streams of its star giraffes, April and Tajiri, and Oliver and Johari, where you can watch the long-necked yet graceful mammals amble around their enclosure.

Melbourne Zoo

The Australian zoo welcomed three snow leopard cubs at the end of January, and you can now spy on their daily adventures. The enclosure features two live-streams, both inside and outside their nest box, to up your chances of catching a glimpse.

Beekman Farm

Beekman is a skincare label that uses goat milk, as well as home-grown botanicals, in its signature products. The brand's farm in New York offers a live-stream of its baby goat nursery during its kid season.