National Zoo 'enriches' its animals with musical instruments
In an effort to keep its animals happy, the National Zoo has rolled out a "zoo enrichment" program in which animals can use art supplies and musical instruments. The animals don't really know what they're doing, but the results are adorable.
The enrichment activities are "designed to allow animals to demonstrate their species-typical behavior, to allow them exercise control or choice over their environment, and to enhance their well-being," the zoo explained in a statement. "While they wouldn't encounter a keyboard in the wild, the activity engages their sight, touch and hearing senses."
Some of the activities include otters playing the piano, an orangutan playing the xylophone, bears playing the harmonica, and parrots painting. Check out a couple of the animal enrichment videos below, and visit the National Zoo's YouTube channel for more. --Meghan DeMaria
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Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.
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