How far would you travel to swim with a family of tropical pigs? Or be swarmed by a herd of fluffy bunnies? If your answer is “to the ends of the earth,” then keep reading. Here are five unique animal experiences you can only have by traveling. Don’t forget to pack some extra treats.
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Swim with Pigs in the Bahamas
If pigs could fly, this is where they'd go. There really is an uninhabited island in the Bahamas where wild pigs roam and swim free.
These happy pigs are living the dream on the island of Big Major Cay, where they alternate their time between dozing in the sun and taking a dip in the clear blue Caribbean sea. No one's quite sure how the pigs got to the island, but everyone is certain that they're delightful (and friendly, too—they'll swim right up to visitors who bring them treats).
There are many of tours that will take you to Big Major Cay for a dip with these water-loving cuties.
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RELATED: 7 Places to Get an Authentic Taste of the Bahamas
(Photo: Wild Pigs in the Bahamas via Shutterstock)
Swim with Pigs in the Bahamas
If pigs could fly, this is where they'd go. There really is an uninhabited island in the Bahamas where wild pigs roam and swim free.
These happy pigs are living the dream on the island of Big Major Cay, where they alternate their time between dozing in the sun and taking a dip in the clear blue Caribbean sea. No one's quite sure how the pigs got to the island, but everyone is certain that they're delightful (and friendly, too—they'll swim right up to visitors who bring them treats).
There are many of tours that will take you to Big Major Cay for a dip with these water-loving cuties.
Search for: Vacation Packages | Hotels | Flights
RELATED: 7 Places to Get an Authentic Taste of the Bahamas
(Photo: Wild Pigs in the Bahamas via Shutterstock)
Photograph Baby Seals in Quebec
In Canada's Magdalen Islands, the end of February is a very special time of year for the harp seals that migrate to the islands to give birth to their pups. For three weeks, the adorable baby seals can be seen in their natural habitat, lounging in the snow.
The hotel Chateau Madelinot offers helicopter excursions to the remote island, where you can observe and photograph the baby harp seals.
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(Photo: Chateau Madelinot)
Worship Dogs in Nepal
October is a very good month to be a dog in Nepal. It's when the country celebrates Kukar Tihar, part of the Diwali festival that pays tribute to the many joys that dogs bring to humans.
The dogs are decorated in colorful garlands and given extra treats all day long. They are also given a red mark on their forehead, known as the tika, which "imbues the dog with an air of sacredness and acts as a blessing to those who encounter the dog during Kukur Tihar."
Even stray dogs are given flowers and food, and are honored on this sacred day. It's a magical event no dog lover would want to miss.
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RELATED: Tips for Traveling with your Pet
(Photo: rubber bullets via flickr/CC Attribution)
Visit a Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica
They might share their name with one of the seven deadly sins, but there's nothing deadly about sloths. These furry tree-dwelling creatures capture the hearts of animal lovers all around the world with their quizzical expressions and laidback attitude.
If you're traveling through Costa Rica, (where the sloth is king), fill up on cuteness with a visit to the sloth sanctuary Aviaros del Caribe. It's home to more than 350 sloths and offers tours that include a sloth nursery and playground.
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(Photo: Sloth Feeding on Leaves via Shutterstock)
Be Swarmed by Bunnies in Japan
Tourists flock to the tiny Japanese island of Okunoshima to experience the true essence of kawaii. Commonly referred to as Bunny Island due to its overwhelming population of wild rabbits and lack of natural predators, Okunoshima is home to about 700 bunnies. So, if being smothered by fluffy rabbits is your lifelong dream, then take a cue from this guy and "hop" onto to next ferry.
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More from SmarterTravel:
- Made in Japan: Crazy Souvenirs from Tokyo
- World's Most Adorable Animals (and Where to Find Them
- 10 Amazing Animal Adventures
Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer who loves learning about wildlife during her travels. Follow her on Twitter @jamieditaranto.
(Photo: GetHiroshima.com via flickr/CC Attribution)
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