Australian zoos have launched a live streaming service aimed at keeping animal lovers connected with their favourite creatures as facilities close because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Zoos Victoria's three sites - Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo & Werribee Open Range Zoo - have all been shut since Tuesday as Covid-19 cases rise throughout the country.
With visitors temporarily shut out, the zoos have encouraged people to get online and watch life carry on inside the gates via live-streamed footage of the animals' activities.
In Australia, there have been 2,800 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with 13 deaths.
"We are first and foremost a not-for-profit conservation organisation, but we know our role is to also bring everyone some joy and a touch of magic right now," Zoos Victoria said in a statement.
"Our animals can keep making you smile through our #AnimalsAtHome live stream as well as other videos and photos that we'll share with you via our social channels."
"So please, stay at home if you can, look after yourself and look after your loved ones while we keep looking after the animals."
Among the stars of the live stream experience have been a fleet-footed dancing penguin, tree-kangaroos, an echidna and three adorable, albeit elusive, snow leopard cubs.
Footage of their daily escapades is just the latest in a string of animal-friendly behind-the-scenes content that has circulated online as zoos and conservation centres worldwide close their doors to the public.
Attracting particular attention last week were the penguin inhabitants of the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, who took the opportunity to go "on a field trip to meet other animals" while their home was closed to the public.
"While this may be a strange time for us, these days feel normal for animals at Shedd," the aquarium said in a Twitter post.
