Twitch may primarily be a gaming platform, but streaming cute animals is quite possibly the best thing to do on the site. Never forget when the most popular channel in the Hot Tub category was a trio of adorable otters, who overshadowed streamers in tubs and inflatable pools. This week, the streaming service finally recognised the popularity of cute animal streams by adding a new Animals, Aquariums, and Zoos category — a place you can go to browse channels dedicated to all kinds of animals.
“Historically, animal streams run across a variety of categories: ASMR, Travel & Outdoors, Just Chatting, Science & Technology, Music and Pools, and Hot Tubs & Beaches,” Twitch wrote in a blog post on Monday. “The time has come to give our animal friends, and the people who — literally — love to see them, a good home.”
Besides giving us some much-needed comfort viewing, Twitch also wants to use the Animals, Aquariums, and Zoos category to raise awareness of the environmental and conservation issues threatening animals. “We’re working with zoos, aquariums, and animal non-profits to elevate the animals, their conservation, and the restoration and conservation of the environment they need to thrive.”
The announcement kicked off Animal Week, Twitch’s “celebration of the joy and life animals provide”. To help us all celebrate, Twitch recommended several channels who’ll be streaming in the Animals, Aquariums, and Zoos category, like theHoneyBeeHangout (bees), HootHouseLivestream (owls), MontereyAq (otters) and WildLifeCam (squirrels during the day and raccoons at night).
The beauty of Twitch means you can interact with some of these channels, too. Use your Twitch Bits to make the keepers give their free-roaming animals treats on DashDucks and QBunnyTV, or change the lights and music in the aquariums over on TurtlesAndChill.
See the full list of channels participating in Animal Week here.
