It’s hard not to be a little bummed out right now. We’re heading into summer, but with the pandemic keeping us from doing a lot of our favorite things, we might need a reminder every now and then that things aren’t all bad. Luckily, our animal friends in the wild seem to be having a pretty good time — here are 10 examples of how Mother Nature is furry, feathery, and thriving in the time of COVID-19.
Deer visiting Nara Park
A group of Sika deer were spotted enjoying the cherry blossoms of Nara Park, near Osaka. In the absence of the crush of tourists that usually populate the area, the deer were able to have a leisurely, quiet visit.
Large numbers of leatherback turtles hatching in Thailand
The greatest of number of leatherback turtles in several years has been able to hatch on beaches in Thailand — because the beaches are empty during the pandemic, the baby turtles have been met with none of the human interference they might normally face.
Air pollution dropping in Northern India
In the wake of the coronavirus lockdown, NASA satellites have recently recorded lower aerosol level over northern India — the lowest in over two decades, in fact.
Birds taking over a beach in Peru
While humans in Peru may be restricted from visiting Agua Dulce beach in Lima, Peru, seabirds are having a wonderful time and gathering in great numbers along the shore.
Lions napping in the road in South Africa
These big cats have been expanding their territory to take advantage of the lack of crowds and noise, and taking to the open road during nap time.
Global carbon emissions dropping
Aside from visible changes in high-pollution hotspots, the world overall has experienced a 17% drop in carbon emissions as a result of coronavirus lockdowns.
Dolphins returning to the Ganges River
In the absence of usually-high levels of pollution in the water, the Ganges Dolphin appears to have returned to the Ganges River after a hiatus of 30 years or so.
Noise pollution decreasing
Not only is the air getting cleaner to breathe, but our daily noise exposure is lessening. Less noise helps birds to communicate better, keeps stress hormones in marine life lower, and generally allows animals to survive with greater ease.
Orca whales venturing into Indian Arm
Seemingly encouraged by the decrease in industrial activity in the area, a pod of orcas was spotted swimming further than usual into an area known as the Indian Arm, near Vancouver.
The Himalayas becoming visible
India’s air pollution has decreased to the point that residents of Punjab have recently been able to clearly see the Himalayas for the first time in about three decades.
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