In stressful times, there’s nothing like cute animals to help us feel a little better, even it’s just for a few adorable moments. Take for example, cat videos, which have been one of the most popularly watched items on the Internet for years and according to a research study at Indiana University in Bloomington can help “boost your energy level, heighten your positive emotions and decrease your negative feelings.” 

Those of us with our own pets may find that they bring a whole new sense of appreciation to the term "emotional support animal." If you’re an animal lover looking for a few moments of calm, here are some animal live cams to bring a moment of sweetness and zen to your day. 

BABY GOATS:

Baby Goat Cam from Beekman 1802

Beekman 1802, makers of organic goats milk soaps, body washes, lotions, and more is located at the 219 year-old Beekman Farm in Sharon Springs, New York. Founders Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell left their big city life and launched the brand. They took in a neighboring farmer and his herd of goats, and created their first skincare products using fresh goat milk from the farm. Farmer John’s best milkers are in kidding season, so Beekman has focused their goat video live cam on the nursery. And the little ones are ridiculously cute!

Where to watch: https://beekman1802.com/pages/the-goats

MARINE LIFE:

Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Cam:

The world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium has plenty of live cams to help bring you a moment of peace and calm. From the hypnotizing Jelly Cam to the frolicking Sea Otter Cam, tune in to your favorite marine animal's live cam. The choices include Aviary Cam, Coral Reef Cam, Jelly Cam, Kelp Forest Cam, Monterey Bay Cam, Moon Jelly Cam, Penguin Cam, Sea Otter Cam, and Shark Cam.

Where to Watch: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams

Shedd Aquarium Live Cam

With the location being closed to the public, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago recently let their penguins roam free to check out the other exhibits. They shared a few videos of the penguin adventures on Twitter, including the video below of bonded rockhopper pair, Edward and Ani, taking a little morning walk around the rotunda together. 

You can see more of the adorable penguin videos and learn fun facts about the animals at the aquarium by following @Shedd_aquarium on Twitter. 

The aquarium also  invites you to recharge by entering a world of shimmer color, pattern and rhythm with the Underwater Beauty live cam. You’ll discover the dreamlike patterns of angelfishes, wrasses, tangs and butterflyfishes.

Where to Watch: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/exhibits/underwater-beauty-exhibit

Fiona the Hippo and More Zoo Animals

San Diego Zoo Live Cam

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are protected havens where breeding and caring for endangered species can help protect against extinction. While the zoo may be temporarily closed, you can still visit virtually by tuning in to one of the San Diego Zoo’s many Live Cams. Options include Baboon Cam, Penguin Cam, Polar Cam, Ape Cam, Koala Cam, Giraffe Cam, Elephant Cam, Tiger Cam, Burrowing Owl Cam and more.

Where to Watch: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams

Fiona the Hippo and more from Cincinnati Zoo Facebook Live Cam

At Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, a baby hippopotamus named Fiona was born six weeks premature. She was the smallest hippo ever to survive. You can follow her story by visiting http://cincinnatizoo.org/the-fiona-show/. 

Catch up with Fiona the hippo and meet more animals from the Cincinnati Zoo by visiting their Facebook page. They have been posting daily Facebook Lives to help you learn more about the amazing animals there.

Where to Watch: https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatizoo/

PUPPIES

Puppy Whelping Room at Warrior Canine Connection powered by EXPLORE.org

Warrior Canine Connection is a Maryland nonprofit that engages veterans in a therapeutic mission to train skilled service dogs for fellow veterans. The whelping room inside WCC’s Puppy Enrichment Center is where our future service dogs spend their first few weeks with their mother. Staff and volunteers take care of the puppies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdMKbZnx0LI

KITTENS

This list wouldn’t be complete without cats! Kitten Rescue Sanctuary in Los Angeles shares a live feed of adorable baby kittens during the day—and in the evening you can tune in to see some of the Sanctuary's special-needs kittens, who will remain at the Sanctuary indefinitely until their perfect forever homes are found.

Where to watch: https://explore.org/livecams/kitten-rescue/kitten-rescue-baby-kittens

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy