An orphan orangutan relaxes at Nyaru Menteng Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre

Six solitary animals that have mastered social distancing

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While some of us are finding it hard to adapt to social distancing and self-isolation, some animals like the solo life

Many people in countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic are struggling to avoid contact with others and stay at home.  

But social distancing is common for many animals. With possible exceptions for mating and raising their young, these six solitary animals spend most of their lives without the company of others.

Baby female sloth brought to CETAS - World Animal Protection

Image credit: Noelly Castro

Sloths are slow and solitary animals who only gather in groups when they are going to mate. 

Tiger swimming in pond at entertainment venue

Tigers love alone time so much they claim large areas of forest all to themselves once they're old enough to leave their mothers.

Indian pangolin

Pangolins are perfectly protected in scales and adapted to living life solo except when coming together to mate.  

An orphan orangutan relaxes at Nyaru Menteng Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre

Orangutans prefer to spend their lives alone hanging out in trees, only meeting others when it's time to mate. 

A wild green sea turtle off the Cayman Islands - World Animal Protection

Image credit: Michelle de Villiers

Sea Turtles will meet up for mating and nesting seasons, when these sea animals will get together in groups, but otherwise they're happy on their own. 

A koala at Hunter Wildlife

Image credit: Hunter Wildlife Rescue

Female koalas usually stay in home ranges while male koalas are travellers, except for larger dominant males. If male koalas cross paths, they may get into fights. 

Together, we are all facing challenging times but our work to protect wild animals like these never stops. 

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Together, we are all facing challenging times but our work to protect wild animals like these never stops.

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