Right from the start of this pandemic restriction period, people have wondered if there’s a connection between animals and the dreaded pandemic. There may or may not be, but one thing is certain. The animal kingdom has taken to the lockdown and quarantine rules and regulations better than many humans have. This is really surprising and very heartening too.
1. Cats Understand Social Distancing
It’s astonishing how intuitive the animal kingdom has proven to be. When so-called ‘intelligent’ humans have given the authorities headaches by failing to distance socially, our feline friends have been leading the way.
2. Feline Friends – Apart Yet Together
I’ll say this for the members of the cat community – they certainly know how to give each other space. Just look at this group! Each one has a bench all to themselves. Less chance of falling out this way.
3. Unlearned Behaviour
Standing in line together, yet maintaining a respectful distance! They don’t overstep the mark, do they? Who taught these animals to do this? Can we take it for granted that they do this by instinct? If so, this is awesome.
4. A Pigeon Joins the Queue!
It’s astonishing to see a pigeon joining the queue to enter the supermarket. Probably a random act, but it looks like he did it intentionally. It must have given the people present a good laugh.
5. What’ll He Buy When He Reaches the Counter?
Again, this is probably a random act. But it looks like the cat’s done it intentionally. He’s taken his place in the queue and it looks like he’s waiting for his turn.
6. Social Distancing Seagulls
This snapshot of seagulls assembling in an orderly manner must have raised a few smiles. When it comes to obeying the rules, the seagulls can certainly teach us, humans, a thing or two.
7. Not to Be Outdone by the Cats
When it comes to intelligence, you won’t find man’s best friend to be lacking in any way. Whether this guy is a stray or someone’s pet, he’s staying right where he is.
8. Indian Dogs are Known for their Intelligence
This photo of a dog in an Indian shop queue is amusing, though it was probably a random act. But the dog senses human interaction around him and is keeping his distance.
9. The Cat in the Queue
Even if the link between animals and COVID is proven, this kitty won’t get blamed for spreading the virus. Like other animals, she’s learned to keep her distance.
10. Peacocks Keeping their Distance
Never mind cats and dogs, peacocks in India understand how to keep their distance, as we can see in this fascination photo. Is it because they have such a presence owing to their impressive plumage? Who knows?
11. Keeping Their Distance in Zagreb
Perhaps it’s the fact that the streets are empty that prompts these dogs to maintain a respectful distance. With so much space around, keeping that distance is not difficult.
12. This Cat Doesn’t Know The Current Rules
In this funny photo, the dog seems to be backing off while the cat is unconcerned. As if the dog has been keeping up with the news and the cat hasn’t.
13. Even in the Wilderness
It’s not just the animals who live side by side with humans like cats and dogs. Just look at the way these moose are giving each other plenty of space? You don’t have to live in a human settlement to understand the necessity of remaining apart yet together.
14. Back to the Suburbs
Yet another photo of the feline tribe putting the humans to shame by showing how to maintain a proper distance while socialising together. Truly humbling. These animals have nailed it for sure.
15. Don’t Forget The Birds
While the cats have nailed it, the birds aren’t far behind. We saw peacocks keeping their distance a few photos back. Here are ducks, showing how it’s done. It seems we can learn from these creatures.
16. Again, the Cats….
Again, the cats are lazing about, yet showing how well aware they are of the current guidelines. There may or may not be a link between animals and Covid, but where did they learn the quarantine rules? Instinct?
17. Dogs Showing the Guidelines
This looks like two trained dogs, sitting where they’ve been ordered to sit in order to show how to keep an adequate distance from others. It makes you think twice when a dog, rather than a human, shows the guidelines.
18. Dogs Keeping their Distance
Even when their guard is down, these dogs are not relaxing the rules. It’s very unlikely too that these are trained pet dogs. I keep wondering how on Earth do they know?
19. Keeping an Eye on Things
Very funny photos, of two cats keeping an eye on their locality by leaning out of their windows. It’s not obvious if they can see each other, but the photos are similar.
20. Feral But Aware Cats
A bunch of neighbourhood cats in Karachi, Pakistan, all congregating but staying at least six feet apart from their nearest neighbour
21. The Anomaly of Orderly Seagulls
Seagulls are not normally the most orderly of birds. But this photo is amazing. It’s as if they’ve formed an orderly queue. Which is not what anyone expects from seagulls.
22. A Bit of Enforced Distancing
Two cats on either side of a French door. Full glass so they can see and appraise each other. But the door remains firmly in place so no socialising can take place. That’s no harm until the lockdown is over.
23. Feral Cats Instinctively Distancing
Yet another amazing photo of feral cats, together yet sitting far apart in keeping with the current pandemic situation. How are these animals so intelligent?
24. The Australian Ibis Knows the Score
This photo shows a gaggle of Australian Ibises (bin chickens, as they’re known colloquially) keeping their distance in spite of getting together. So the message has spread among the various species, it seems.
25. More Enforced Distancing
It’s not only the pandemic that’s behind this experiment in enforced distancing. This squirrel would be in great danger otherwise, as cats and squirrels are not natural friends. It’s good that the squirrel ca roam the garden without the danger of the cat, who is now kept indoors. They can view each other safely, from either side of the glass door. For now, at least.