Cute Critters Spotted Around The Globe – A Respite From The COVID-19 News

Need to divert your stress away from the doom and gloom of the ongoing pandemic? Here’s a list of animals sightings around the globe thatwe think can make you feel good!

1. Little Lion Cub Phoenix at Mogo Wildlife Park in New South Wales

Born during the January 2020 bushfires, the little lion cub was named Phoenix to symbolise the recovery that Mogo Wildlife Park and the South Coast communities are focused on following these catastrophic fires. His favourite toy is a soccer ball and readers can watch him play here or through the park’s virtual zoo experience.

2. Newborn Otter pups and Hippo Calf at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, New South Wales

Hippo Calf at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

ADVERTISEMENTS

Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are delighted by the safe arrival of a male Hippopotamus calf who is the third offspring for mother, Cuddles and father, Mana. The Hippo calf is yet to be named. An announcement will be made soon about how members of the public can help choose a name for the new arrival. The zoo also welcomes five Oriental Small-clawed Otter pups.

You can find images, videos of the hippo calf and an interview with Hippo keeper here, as well as images, videos of the otter pups and an interview with Otter keeper here.

3. Capella Singapore’s Majestic Peacock

A peacock at Capella Singapore.

Peacocks roam around Capella Singapore’s grounds and are a frequent feature on guests’ social media feeds. They often appear by the pool, as well as The Knolls, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. With less human traffic these days, the team have spotted a mother peacock with her chicks!

4. Free-flight birds at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, New South Wales

Free-flight birds at Taronga Zoo.

ADVERTISEMENTS

Taronga Zoo Sydney have shared footage of their QBE Free-flight Bird Show showcasing the amazing natural behaviours of birds at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, guests and virtual visitors can see an Andean Condor spread its three-metre wide wings, learn about native and exotic species and see birds such as the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and Galah as they soar high above.

You can find the video here.

5. Singita’s Wild Dogs

Singita’s Wild Dogs.

Once widespread, wild dogs are now an endangered species in Africa and sightings are incredibly rare however we’re pleased to report that over the last couple of weeks Singita has been extremely fortunate to have two packs of these amazing animals move through their Sabi Sand reserve in South Africa.⁠ As a private reserve that is only accessible to Singita’s guests, the protected Sabi Sand offers these wild dogs enough prey to hunt, as well as a secure and abundant natural habitat. Singita is committed to honouring their 100-year purpose to preserve and protect the African wilderness for future generations, implementing conservation initiatives to ensure that the land remains as close as possible to the untouched state as an abundant habitat to Africa’s magnificent ecosystem.

One of the industries that has been hit hardest by the current worldwide pandemic is travel and tourism and sadly this is having a devastating ripple effect on conservation efforts across Africa. If ecotourism stops funding the incredible conservation work of non-profit conservation partners and brands such as Singita, the likelihood of illegal hunting increases and conservation projects will be halted. Through their 100-year purpose Singita are committed to building a financially sustainable conservation programme with their non-profit partners and trusts, to find out how you can help please visit Singita’s website here. 

6. Orangutan at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Sepilok Sandakan

For most travellers, the forest of Sepilok is synonymous with the species of primate that can be found only in Borneo and Sumatra called orangutan. Less than half an hour’s drive from Sandakan city, this centre serves as a natural classroom and treatment sanctuary for the orangutans – taking care and teaching the orangutans, especially the young, on ways to live in the wild.

Find out more about other animals you may find in Sandakan here.

About The Author

Gaya Travel

Gaya Travel is celebrating 20 years in the industry. For editorial purposes, please write to us at editorial@gayatravel.com.my.

See author's posts