Ran Chen: the 10 funniest things I have seen (on the internet)

Since the pandemic began, I’ve developed a harmless little obsession: watching cute animal videos. To this day, I maintain this healthy and undemanding daily routine (most of them are less than a minute long). It started with giant pandas, then gradually expanded to koalas, penguins and the internet’s totem: the cat.

At the start of last year, I began working on a new project about “cuteness”: Tiny, Fluffy, Sweet, which I am performing at AsiaTOPA in Melbourne this month. I wanted to take a closer look at why I find cute animals so irresistibly compelling. Although the algorithm’s recommendations mean that I have so many examples, it’s still necessary for me to like and save – otherwise I forget everything after an hour.

1. This mother panda’s belly cradle

This video is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming: a mother panda turns her belly into a cozy cradle, casually rocking her cub back and forth. They both look incredibly chill.

2. A koala in the rain

When I first moved to Europe, I found it hard to explain to my parents and friends how I feel when I’m biking in winter through wind and rain, until I saw this. I’m a big fan of koalas.

3. This sleeping panda

Just like the koala, this panda is soaked. It looks a bit depressed, but still cute – and as the camera zooms in, you can see it’s sleeping, totally relaxed and undisturbed.

4. Xingxing and a kindly soul

Xingxing, a one-armed Tibetan macaque, was rescued by a kind nun in a remote monastery. Their heartwarming story has gone viral. Xingxing’s expressions are so captivating you can’t help but fall in love.

What’s even more delightful is the strange sense of connection these videos create. Sometimes, I’ll notice that a friend – or even a favourite artist of mine – has liked the same video as me. Our shared appreciation for cute animals feels like a tiny, magical bond.

5. Moo Deng

Whenever I share my interest in cute animal videos with new friends, I always get some enthusiastic feedback. Moo Deng was recommended to me by a friend I met last year. She’s not quite my usual thing (I’m a furball enthusiast), but her personality is larger than life. Add in her keeper’s uncontrollable laughter, and it’s impossible not to smile.

6. Cat fluff therapy

I completely understand the irresistible urge to bury your face in a cat’s fluffy fur but, sadly, I’ve never had the chance to experience it. For one, many cats are not exactly fans of this, and two, I don’t own a cat! That’s why this video is so satisfying – it’s the perfect example of a rare moment when human and cat are totally on the same page. (Turn on the sound for maximum enjoyment!)

7. Angora rabbits

I didn’t know anything about this animal, but I am really intrigued by it.

8. Kung fu pandas

This guy copies the movements of some panda stars very precisely. The editing creates the perfect dramatic rhythm. You’ll be laughing the whole time!

9. How to clean an alligator

This made me realise that I haven’t had a spa day in ages.

10. Pesto the penguin

I can’t wait to visit Pesto in Melbourne!

• Ran Chen is a theatre maker and artist based in Beijing and Utrecht. You can catch Tiny, Fluffy, Sweet at Arts Centre Melbourne 21-23 February.