Watch “Emily the Elephant” Become a Drummer at Buttonwood Park Zoo

At the Buttonwood Park Zoo, Emily, a charming elephant, is showing that animals can get into drumming too. Inspired by a visiting professional drummer who played a solo outside her enclosure, Emily was captivated by the sound of the drums. This wasn’t just a fleeting moment of curiosity; it marked the beginning of her journey into the world of music, as she attempted to play the drums herself.

In a delightful display of enthusiasm, Emily, using her trunk, tried her hand—or rather, her trunk—at drumming. The initial encounter with a drumstick was a learning curve for Emily. She picked it up, tentatively touched and prodded at the drum, experimenting with the sounds she could produce. It wasn’t just an auditory experience for her; it was a tactile exploration into a new form of expression.

Zoo visitors and staff were treated to a surprising and heartwarming spectacle as Emily tapped and prodded at the drums set up outside her enclosure. Jon, the drummer who inspired her, was deeply moved by her interest and interaction with the instrument. He noted her careful approach and how she wielded the drumstick not with the clumsiness one might expect from such a large animal, but with a curious and gentle precision.

The zoo believes that this musical interaction is not only a wonderful enrichment for Emily, providing her with a stimulating activity that breaks the monotony of her daily routines but also an incredible learning experience for everyone who witnesses it. “Emily’s drumming is a beautiful testament to the intelligence and emotional depth of elephants,” said one of the zookeepers. “It reminds us that these magnificent creatures have rich internal lives and an ability to connect with the world in ways we are only beginning to understand.”

Social media has been abuzz with videos and photos of Emily’s drumming sessions. Viewers from around the world have expressed their admiration for her musical prowess and the zoo’s innovative approach to animal enrichment. The clips show Emily hitting the drum lightly with the stick, sometimes missing, but persistently trying, turning her new hobby into a spectacle of joy and exploration.

Emily’s musical journey is ongoing, and the zoo plans to continue supporting her newfound interest. The interaction with music has not only enhanced her life but also highlighted the potential for similar enrichment activities for other animals. Emily’s story is a reminder of the wonders of animal cognition and the bridges we can build to understanding and connecting with other species through the universal language of music.

This isn’t the first unique viral clip of the month. There are interesting, funny, and inspring clips around drumming that get released everyday. Take a look at this shocking video here where a popular priest rocks out to Metallica on drumset.