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Aquariums, zoos: All of Seattle's fun livestreams to watch during coronavirus social distancing

By Christina Ausley, SeattlePI

|Updated
Meet the marine animals of the Seattle Aquarium...There's just something a little extra therapeutic about watching marine animals float about the turquoise seas. Catch two live streams of the Seattle Aquarium's furry otters flapping their arms, crushing shells, and even washing their hands every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Who says we couldn't all use a good laugh, too? Check out all of the aquatic live cams here.

Meet the marine animals of the Seattle Aquarium...
There's just something a little extra therapeutic about watching marine animals float about the turquoise seas. Catch two live streams of the Seattle Aquarium's furry otters flapping their arms, crushing shells, and even washing their hands every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Who says we couldn't all use a good laugh, too? Check out all of the aquatic live cams here.

MERYL SCHENKER

For more coverage, visit our complete coronavirus section here.

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Many Seattleites might be starting to hit a dose of cabin fever after a few weeks of self-quarantine and social distancing in the wake of the novel coronavirus.

Maybe you've read every book left on your shelf, attempted crocheting as a new hobby from the couch, binged on a new Netflix series, and tried to make your 50th new version of ramen after stocking up on non-perishables last week.

If DIY has you drained and all you want is a dose of the outside world, we've got you covered.

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Read on and click through the slideshow above for all the local livestream details of zoo animals paying one another a visit, the University of Washington cherry blossoms in full bloom, and more.

Catch the University of Washington Cherry Blossoms blooming...
Every year, thousands flock to the University of Washington quad to fawn over the puffy pink canopy of cherry blossoms. But as all manner of senior photos and engagement photographers hold off as the campus closes down, the UW is inviting individuals to watch the powdery blooms from home. “Cherry blossom enthusiasts should avoid coming to the University of Washington campus this spring to see the trees and instead enjoy a virtual viewing experience at home,” the UW’s Michelle Ma said in a statement. “The university’s order is in compliance with state and local public health proclamations that prohibit gatherings of more than 50 people in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.” To catch a spring-infused watch party from home, visit the livestream here.

Watch the Seattle Symphony put on a show...
As the Seattle community remains united under this time of concern, the Seattle Symphony has decided to continue sharing performances to provide a sense of strength, comfort, and joy. The musicians have volunteered to share free broadcasts with the public, of which you can find a full schedule at their website. Additionally, all broadcasts can be streamed via the Symphony's social media channels on YouTube and Facebook. Viewers are encouraged to help support the Symphony during the wake of the novel coronavirus via donations here.

Fawn over Woodland Park Zoo animals saying hello to one another...
Want to watch porcupines visit penguins? The Woodland Park Zoo is livestreaming animals stretching their legs about the premises. "At the moment, every day seems to feel like a new reality," the zoo shared on its Facebook page. One thing will always remain a constant though—Skyáana the porcupine is going to snack. With no visitors and fewer staff on grounds, roaming the zoo is a perfect way to stretch those legs and allows animal keepers to practice working with our ambassadors. Penguins, meet porcupine. P.S., our love for these animals matches Skyáana's love of biscuits." Visit their Facebook page for the paw-sitively cute animal streams, or their website for the occasional tiger, grizzly bear, and bat cams.

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Enjoy Quarantine Sessions and Live Concerts of local musicians...
Since the novel coronavirus crisis emerged, hundreds of musicians have lost thousands of dollars in cancelled gigs as social freedoms outside the home tighten to prevent the spread of the virus. A few musicians, however, developed platforms for pianists and performers (even in their pajamas) to livestream their performances alongside a digital tip jar to keep things afloat. Visit The Quarantine Sessions or LiveConcerts for all the local tunes you can get your hands on.

Catch all the colors of this botanical garden in Capitol Hill...
While vacations to the tropics might be on hold for the time being, Capitol Hill's Volunteer Park Conservatory is bringing some color to everyone's homes as they livestream a healthy dose of plant therapy. The century-old greenhouse opens up all manner of bodacious ferns and waking cacti around noon, though livestream sessions may vary and can be found via their Instagram page. "The Conservatory is bringing beauty into your homes and phones during our closure," they noted in a post. "Comment with any special requests to see certain plants!⁠"

Entertain the kids with live science lessons...
The Pacific Science Center has stepped up with experiments, theatrics, and tricks in action during their Live Science Shows. Visitors to the website can view shows on PacSci Now, or live with a rotating selection at the science center. Each promises to inspire curiosity, enlighten, and entertain people of all ages. Additionally, a preschool entertainer out of a job in the midst of school closures has not given up on educating. Mikey Gervais's, commonly known by the kids as "Mikey The Rad Scientist," has been entertaining students with his songs and science lessons across the greater Seattle area for years.  His free interactive shows, partnered alongside Kaylee Cole, can be found here every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. "It’s a lot of pressure for parents I think, to all of a sudden be a full-time stay at home parent and an educator on top of it," Cole told King 5 News. Now, parents can enjoy these cheery helpers in the midst of challenging times.

Meet the marine animals of the Seattle Aquarium...
There's just something a little extra therapeutic about watching marine animals float about the turquoise seas. Catch two live streams of the Seattle Aquarium's furry otters flapping their arms, crushing shells, and even washing their hands every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Who says we couldn't all use a good laugh, too? Check out all of the aquatic live cams here.

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Christina is an editorial assistant focusing on food, travel and lifestyle writing for the SeattlePI. She's originally from the bluegrass of Louisville, Kentucky, and earned degrees in journalism and psychology from the University of Alabama, alongside a full-stack web development certification from the University of Washington. By her previous experience writing for food and travel publications in London, England, Christina is extremely passionate about food, culture, and travel. If she's not on the phone with a local chef, she's likely learning how to fly airplanes, training for a marathon, backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail or singing along at a nearby concert.