What happens when you give some otters and an orangutan a keyboard and a xylophone?
The Smithsonian National Zoo gave instruments to some of its animals. The resulting video is priceless.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.King Louie may have been the imagination of a 1967 Disney film, but the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. has managed to get a step closer to recreating the perfection of a musical orangutan.
As part of its Animal Enrichment program the zoo occasionally provides its animals with instruments to create a stimulating environment, thus creating the glory of an organutan playing the xylophone and a group of otters having a go on a keyboard.
While the group of Asian small-clawed otters fought over the chance to practice their piano skills, Bonnie the orangutan seemed less enthusiastic and more curious by the toy xylophone trust upon her.
Zoo spokeswoman Jen Zoon told the New York Daily News that they bring the keyboard out a few times a month.
“Some really take to it and play it up, and others hang back and just watch. It's their choice to participate or not,” she said.
If you’re interested in seeing more mammals play any instruments (and why would you not?), you can donate to the Smithsonian’s Animal Enrichment program here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments