The web is poor substitue for getting out and seeing nature in person, but there are some incredible resources online that let you get up close, without the risk of losing your arm to some sharp teeth!
Nature cams
Explore.org is a one-stop shop for live nature cams. There’s pretty much any animal you can think of – and maybe a few you haven’t heard of before!
Close to home
Wildlife Trusts’ wildlife cams have footage from nature reserves around the UK. Rabbits, osprey, badgers, owls, puffin. Now that spring has sprung, there’s bound to be some great action. https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/webcams
Chester Zoo have been recording virtual zoo visits and sharing to You Tube. We love red pandas.
Edinburgh Zoo has panda, penguin and tiger cams.
Blair Drummond Safari Park‘s tigers and rhinos can be observed at a safe distance!
Highland Wildlife Park Home to snow leopards, lynx and the Scottish wildcat. Check out the snow monkey feed at 11.30am.
Further afield
Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) is consdiered to be the best in Europe. Their You Tube cams are worth checking out, especially for the polar bear cub and elephant calf. Do bear in mind the narration is in Austrian!
San Diego Zoo Pandas, elephants, all the big favourites are here. Remember the time difference!
Monterey Bay Aquarium The sea otter cam is our favourite! Remember the time difference!
Yosemite National Park has cams for their main visitor spots. It’s also worth following their instagram for the Park Ranger Q&As. Remember the time difference – we tried to view Bridal Veil Falls in the dark!
Birds
Audubon for kids is a colourful, easy-to-navigate resource for learning about birds and the whole family can take part in their Birds at home photo project
Birdsong Radio with the RSPB is relaxing and beautiful. The RSPB also have an Osprey nest cam and lots of fun learning activities.
Learning about nature
National Geographic‘s kids website National Geographic Kids is colourful, informative and has lots of fun activities.
Remember our RB Digital magazine service has National Geographic magazine available for free download! Find out how to access.
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) has activities you can do from home .
RSPCA ‘s activities for kids focuses on pet care and the animals you would see near your home.
Animal stories
Booktrust at Home has tons of animal stories and activities
You can listen to animal stories with BBC Teach and you’ll find animal fun and trivia on CBeebies and CBBC.