Travel Tuesday: Virtual zoo tours bring the smiles that we need

As everyone stays home, virtual tours are the new escape. And these virtual zoo tours bring the happy distraction that we all need right now.

Have you been taking the virtual zoo tours? Many well respected and famous zoos are offering these virtual escapes during these times when we’re all staying at home. While social distancing might have people feeling disconnected, these animal adventures can bring some much-needed smiles. Are you ready for your daily dose of happy?

Many people agree that baby animals are just too cute. While full sized hippos can be quite dangerous in their natural habitat, baby hippos are adorable. At the Cincinnati Zoo, Fiona the hippo has all types of adventures. During the zoo’s Home Safari on Facebook Live, various animals are featured. Even when there is some education mixed into the show, there is always a reason to smile.

If you prefer a more relaxing vista, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has 10 live cams. Maybe one day you’d like to watch the jelly fish float by. Also, the famous sea otters have their own cam.

Another option is to watch those waddling penguins. Why is that penguins just seem a little goofy? From their silly walk to how they slide on their bellies, there is something just amusing about penguins.

Considered one of the top zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo has live streams of many animals. From tigers to polar bears, these animals seem to find ways to entertain themselves in homes. Maybe everyone can take some cues from these animals. Boredom might just be a state of mind.

For many people, pandas just seem like big teddy bears. From Zoo Atlanta, take a few minutes to watch the Panda Cam. Maybe one day you’ll see them eating some bamboo and another day they are rolling around playing. Sure, it is a silly way to spend a few minutes of diversion.

Sometimes these virtual zoo tours can offer an opportunity to learn about animals that maybe you skip during a normal visit. For example, the Houston Zoo has a webcam of Leafcutter Ants. All that frenzied behavior could inspire you to get off the couch and do a Zumba workout.

Besides the live cams many zoos, museums and even SeaWorld offer animal video resources. While many of these resources are great for learning, they are entertaining. Isn’t the best way to learn by having fun?

Plus, there is something calming by watching animals. Whether it is the funny dog video, like what can be seen on Dog O’ Day, or watching your cat try to catch a laser, those simple moments away from the uncertainty of the world is needed. Maybe instead of binging another episode of the Tiger King, try binging virtual zoo tours. It could be the distraction that you really need.

What virtual tours are you watching for your next great escape?