One of the best things about social media is how it connects us to the world around us—even the parts that are far from where we are. Through the accounts of others, we gain access to distant locations and different perspectives—and there truly are so many awe-inspiring places (and creatures) to appreciate on this big beautiful planet of ours. In addition to doing your part to protect the environment, take a moment to click follow on some of the best nature and wildlife Instagram accounts the internet has to offer. Whether you’ve got a case of wanderlust and are looking for your next travel destination, or you’re just jonesing for a change of scenery, these are the must-follow feeds that are guaranteed to inspire.

@earth

View this post on Instagram

Cherry blossom season in Japan ? cc: @hobopeeba

A post shared by Earth (@earth) on

Ogle jaw-dropping snaps from around the globe on this account, where you’ll see everything from underwater dolphin footage in Hawaii to aerial views of snowy Norway.

@nationalparkservice

Get inspired to explore America! The majestic views and amazing wildlife found in national parks across the country—and on this account—will have you ready to plan a road trip ASAP.

@hiker_collective

Indulge your outdoorsy side with this account, where you’ll be treated to an endless stream of stunning nature photography and camping inspo.

@usinterior

Another feed devoted to celebrating our extraordinary national parks, the U.S. Department of the Interior serves all kinds of environmental eye candy on its Instagram.

@nature_org

The Nature Conservancy is a conservation organization devoted to “protecting lands and waters,” and through gasp-inducing nature and wildlife photos, they document exactly why they do what they do.

@bbcearth

From the network that brought viewers 5 docuseries about the planet, this account should be destination number one for all wildlife lovers.

@sierraclub

The Instagram of America’s largest grassroots environmental organization is a combo of gorgeous nature photography and actionable information about protecting the planet.

@keepingfinn

View this post on Instagram

I wish I was this photogenic. Also, ears.

A post shared by Finn the Sato (@keepingfinn) on

Formerly a stray on the streets of Puerto Rico, rescue mutt Finn now travels the country via van with his dad, Henry. Come for the puppy love, stay for the breathtaking views and adventures. Or vice versa.

@brianskerry

View this post on Instagram

Photo by @BrianSkerry. A harp seal pup – about 2 weeks old – makes its first swim beneath the ice shelf in Canada’s Gulf of St. Lawrence. Harp seal pups need stable pack ice from which to nurse from their mothers. Thinning ice due to climate change over the last decade has caused problems for this species, with pup mortality rates increasing during years with little ice. Survival long term will require adapting to the loss of sea ice if these trends continue. @thephotosociety @natgeocreative Photographed on assignment for @NatGeo. #harp #seal #pup #nature #nat #geo #magazine #onassignment #photography #underwater #national #geographic #photooftheday #followme #follow #natgeo #instagood #wonderlust #nikonnofilter #nikonambassador #nikonlove

A post shared by Brian Skerry (@brianskerry) on

One look at award-winning National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry’s Instagram will leave you breathless. Skerry captures the magical mystery of what lies beneath the ocean’s surface and highlights the dangers our marine environments (and their inhabitants) face.

@natgeotravel

There’s a reason National Geographic is the gold standard when it comes to travel photography. The iconic brand has several accounts showcasing the work of their top photographers, but this one is pretty much guaranteed to awaken the wanderlust in you.

@sheldricktrust

View this post on Instagram

Lulu may be little, but raising a baby elephant is no small task. That’s why her mum, wild-living orphan Lualeni, is lucky to have several girlfriends who are only too happy to play the role of nanny. Four-month-old Lulu is a very inquisitive calf, and she is slowly but surely learning what’s what and who to play with. Equally important, she is also figuring out how to sneak away from her main nanny, Naserian, who takes Lulu’s welfare very seriously and can be a rather strict bodyguard! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _________ Photo © David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust #SheldrickTrust #DSWT #Lulu? #elephants #kenya #whyilovekenya #bekindtoelephants #family #elephantfacts #LualeniDSWT #LuluDSWT

A post shared by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (@sheldricktrust) on

Calling all elephant lovers: The Sheldrick Trust in Kenya rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and rhinos, as well as providing vet assistance to other species, promoting anti-poaching measures, and protecting the environment. Follow their work here (they bottle feed the baby elephants!) and maybe even help out by “fostering” one of their wild orphans.

@sealegacy

View this post on Instagram

Photograph by @cristinamittermeier // Today, we’re lighting beacons of solidarity with Norway and @Folkeaksjonen for an #OilFreeLofoten. Will you join us? Marine life in the Lofoten region of northern Norway is robust, healthy and unique. The oil industry wants to drill in the waters off the coast; but since 2001, the coast of Lofoten has been protected by a temporary ban on oil activity. The ban has been successfully renewed six times with support from local communities, municipality governments and sustainable fisheries. On April 7, Norway’s Labour Party @arbeiderpartiet will decide if it supports permanent protection for this region from oil exploration. Tell them that protecting Lofoten is absolutely the right thing to do – for Norway, for the oceans, for our future. ? HOW YOU CAN HELP: 1. Tag 3 friends in this post 2. Sign the petition (link in our bio ?) 3. Light up your social media in support of an #OilFreeLofoten. Repost this graphic and help us create an international, cross-platform network of beacons. ? ? ? ?

A post shared by SeaLegacy #TurningTheTide (@sealegacy) on https://www.instagram.com/audubonsociety/

A “collective of some of the most experienced and renowned photographers, filmmakers and storytellers,” SeaLegacy aims to engage people in ocean conservation by offering hope through powerful, inspiring images.

@audubonsociety

View this post on Instagram

Did you know Tree Swallows and bluebirds are some of the first migrants to arrive each #spring in order to improve their chances of finding unoccupied nesting cavities? ⠀ ⠀ Tree Swallows. ?: Linda H. Dulak/Audubon Photography Awards ⠀ ⠀

A post shared by National Audubon Society (@audubonsociety) on  As they put it, “The things that are good for birds are good for the planet, too.”

Stunning bird photography is just one of the reasons Instagram users flock (get it?) to this organization’s account. Education and conservation are the others: As the website states, “The things that are good for birds are good for the planet, too.”

@chrisburkard

View this post on Instagram

All washed up.

A post shared by ChrisBurkard (@chrisburkard) on

Landscape photographer Chris Burkard’s captures are not to be missed. Every one is frameable–and will make you appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

@oceanconservancy

From penguins to sea turtles to sharks and more, a quick scroll through Ocean Conservancy’s feed will inspire you to get involved in the organization’s mission of ” long-term solutions that promote a healthy ocean, abundant wildlife and thriving coastal communities.”

Tell us your favorite nature and wildlife Instagram accounts in the comments! Want some more fauna and flora in your life? Shop some of our most popular nature and wildlife-inspired picks!