Playing to the animals
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (326100)
Rockingham, Australia
January 21, 2022 3:53am CST
Because of covid restrictions, many of world’s zoos have had to close down. Some now have virtually no income coming in (that’s pretty funny – income coming in 
).
But, moving on 
, Zoo Cologne, in Germany, is one that has had to close for the moment. Keepers have reported that some of the animals seemed depressed and bored as there were no crowds for them to watch and/or interact with.
Young German pianist Thelonious Hermann would normally have been touring and playing his piano but his activities were severely restricted too. So he went to the zoo, put his piano on wheels and played to the animals. I hope the video loads for you. If not, search for something like ‘German pianist plays for zoo animals’ and the link should come up.
Some of the animals seemed to react more than others but none turned their back on him. What a great thing to do.
Photo of animals at a German wildlife park.
Edit: Anna (@LadyDuck) has added the correct link. Thanks, Anna.
).
But, moving on , Zoo Cologne, in Germany, is one that has had to close for the moment. Keepers have reported that some of the animals seemed depressed and bored as there were no crowds for them to watch and/or interact with.
Young German pianist Thelonious Hermann would normally have been touring and playing his piano but his activities were severely restricted too. So he went to the zoo, put his piano on wheels and played to the animals. I hope the video loads for you. If not, search for something like ‘German pianist plays for zoo animals’ and the link should come up.
Some of the animals seemed to react more than others but none turned their back on him. What a great thing to do.
Photo of animals at a German wildlife park.
Edit: Anna (@LadyDuck) has added the correct link. Thanks, Anna.17 people like this
19 responses
@JudyEv (326100)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Jan 22
Aha but are they pearls, I dare to ask? And there are animals other than swine there so I'd say go for it.
@FourWalls (62340)
• United States
21 Jan 22
That’s so cool!
Our zoo is still open, but you have to make an appointment (or buy a timed ticket) online.
In another piece of good news, I saw that the zoo in Los Angeles received over $95,000 in donations in the “Betty White Challenge” to celebrate her 100th birthday. (I participated in that myself, giving to a local no-kill shelter.) So even though people can’t go to a number of the zoos they’re still being supported!
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (62340)
• United States
22 Jan 22
@JudyEv — no, it’s that visitors have to select a time they want to be there, in order to limit the crowds.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (326100)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Jan 22
@FourWalls Got it. We have had limited numbers in shops from time to time; certainly in cafes and restaurants.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (71662)
• United States
21 Jan 22
Aww that is so sweet. My son loves to play his guitar all day especially for other people. This is definitely something he would do if we lived near a zoo. So very sad for the animals so I’m glad this thoughtful man is doing this for them!
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95512)
• Marion, Ohio
21 Jan 22
They do get used to things. Thats a nice thing to do and he still gets to play
1 person likes this
@mildredtabitha (16068)
• Nairobi, Kenya
21 Jan 22
It's inspiring to know about some who went to play his piano for animals during the pandemic
1 person likes this
@mildredtabitha (16068)
• Nairobi, Kenya
21 Jan 22
@JudyEv yes. This is a scene that rarely happens
1 person likes this
@freelancermariagrace (27219)
• Philippines
22 Jan 22
Thar’s so nice of him. I really appreciate people who love animals. :)
1 person likes this
@freelancermariagrace (27219)
• Philippines
23 Jan 22
@JudyEv I think so, too :)
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54407)
• United States
21 Jan 22
there are instances of big cats (tigers) getting sick from covid!
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54407)
• United States
23 Jan 22
@JudyEv no it isn't the US National Zoo (pretty near where i live actually) had to close as both the lions and tigers had a Covid outbreak.
1 person likes this
@sharonelton (25100)
• Lichfield, England
21 Jan 22
Wow! What a lovely thing to do. 
1 person likes this
@sharonelton (25100)
• Lichfield, England
21 Jan 22
@JudyEv Yes, they would have been interested in the strange thing that was happening.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (45556)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
21 Jan 22
Some people will do anything for an audience! 
Seriously, though, this is a nice, "feel good" news story. Nice music, too.
Seriously, though, this is a nice, "feel good" news story. Nice music, too.1 person likes this
@JudyEv (326100)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Sep 22
Thank you. We enjoyed visiting that park. The animals were all in very large enclosures.
@LindaOHio (156807)
• United States
21 Jan 22
The animals in zoos are used to a lot of human interaction both from their keepers and from the public. I have no doubt that they're depressed. I hope the music helps the animals.
1 person likes this
. He did a wonderful thing by playing in front of animals. It's a kind gesture on his part