Loris Assadian, a French singer-songwriter and animal advocate known professionally known as Plumes, is globally recognized and celebrated for his distinctive sound and special connection with animals.
Videos of him playing his flamingo-pink guitar for farm and zoo animals have captivated millions of viewers worldwide, including former President Barack Obama, who talked about Assadian earlier this summer during the final month of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Also count Megan Paier, of Cherry Hill, among the many fans of his calming musical moments. A member and volunteer docent at the Philadelphia Zoo, she thought it would be great after watching his reels on Facebook if he came here. “The way animals respond to him just warms the heart,” she said.
So she reached out in March, DMing him. “What do I have to lose?”
He got back to her right away.
She asked how much it would cost, and he told her he didn’t accept any money, he just needed his expenses covered.
He visited the zoo Tuesday — after running up the Rocky steps — and serenaded the tortoises ahead of sessions on Thursday and Friday, when he will play for other animals. Most tickets are already sold out.
Assadian began performing for animals three years ago in France when he played Beatles songs for some local cows.
His appearance in Philly is the first at any U.S. zoo, and only his second visit to the United States (he went to Alaska last month).
Elizabeth Gibbons, of Kennett Square, is an “oh my gosh, a huge fan” and was excited to see he was coming to Philadelphia but disappointed she wouldn’t be able to be there.
She was at the zoo on Tuesday with 2-year-old daughter Opal and a mothers group from West Chester when she saw him opening his guitar case and teared up.
Megan Paier, the docent, noticed and got Assadian to take a selfie with her.
Before he plays, Assadian always talks with the animals’ caretakers to learn about their personalities and behavior. He keeps his own body language neutral, avoids sudden movements, and doesn’t expect or force interaction.
Beyond social media popularity, Assadian’s acoustic sessions serve as genuine behavioral enrichment for animals. Last year, he partnered with the Université de Nanterre for a scientific study at the Branféré animal park to evaluate music’s direct impact on animal behavior.
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