Pianist performs classical music at sanctuary for ailing elephants

They may not be able to see Paul Barton, but they can hear his music, and the notes he plays are bringing them comfort.

Barton is a classical pianist, and he's been setting up his piano at the Elephants World sanctuary in Thailand. The sanctuary is home to older, ailing elephants, with many having lost their sight. When Barton and his wife first visited, he asked permission to play music for the elephants, which was granted. On his YouTube channel, Barton shared that the first piece he played was by Beethoven, and a blind elephant stopped what he was doing, turning his full attention to the music.

The elephant was often in pain, and Barton said he likes to think that "maybe the soothing music gave him some comfort in the darkness." Barton posts videos of his interactions with the elephants, which show them enjoying his performances of Bach and Debussy, allowing viewers to see a different side of these gentle animals. Catherine Garcia

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