Thursday, August 6, 2026

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

ConnectionUpworthy

Three lions have the most beautiful reaction to a man singing a Guns N’ Roses song to them

In a remarkable instance of music's universal appeal, a French musician known as Plumes serenaded a pride of lions with Guns N' Roses' 'November Rain,' leading to an unexpectedly tender moment. As Plumes strummed his guitar, the lions approached him, not with the ferocity one might expect but with a tranquil curiosity. They settled down, yawned, and nuzzled each other, seemingly soothed by the melody, demonstrating a softer side of these majestic predators.

This enchanting encounter is not an isolated incident for Plumes, who has made it a mission to share his music with animals across various enclosures, from tigers to bears. His journey began humbly, playing for cows in the French countryside, and has since evolved into a series of impromptu concerts that bridge the gap between humans and animals. Scientific research supports these interactions, suggesting that music can positively affect animal behavior, offering a glimpse into the shared emotional experiences across species.

Constructive analysis

The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.

The problem
The challenge of disconnect between humans and nature.
The actions
Plumes performs music for animals, recording their reactions to foster human-animal connection.
Evidence of progress
The lions' peaceful response to the music, and Plumes' ongoing success with various animals, illustrate the potential of music to bridge this gap.
What we can learn
Others might replicate this model by exploring creative ways to engage with and understand animals, fostering empathy and connection.
PERMA wellbeing profile of this story

Seligman's five pillars of wellbeing, as expressed in this story.

Positive Emotion
9
Engagement
8
Relationships
7
Meaning
8
Accomplishment
7
PERMA

Character strengths in play

Top VIA strengths this story embodies.

  • Curiosity

    Plumes' decision to play music for lions and other animals shows a deep curiosity about how his art can connect with different species.

  • Kindness

    By offering free concerts to animals, Plumes demonstrates a kind-hearted approach to sharing his talents beyond human audiences.

  • Perspective

    Plumes' reflections on how animals inspire him to be kinder and more patient indicate a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of life.

Try this today

The next time you find yourself in nature, bring along some music—either to play or listen to. Observe how it affects the environment around you, including any animals you might encounter, and consider what this interaction teaches you about connection.