French artist Loris Assadian — known to millions on social media as PLUMES — will make his United States zoo debut at Philadelphia Zoo this August, performing live for the animals as part of the institution’s broader animal enrichment program. The visit, running August 18–21, marks the first time the viral musician has brought his animal-focused performances to any American zoo.
Music as Enrichment
Philadelphia Zoo’s animal care team incorporates novel experiences into daily enrichment plans to stimulate animals both physically and mentally. PLUMES’s residency fits squarely into that framework. “Part of the Zoo’s comprehensive animal care program includes daily enrichment to exercise our animals’ bodies and minds,” said Rachel Metz, Vice President of Animal Wellbeing and Conservation. “We are delighted to have PLUMES serenade some of our animals and see how they react as part of their enrichment.”
PLUMES will perform at various animal habitats across the Zoo beginning Tuesday, August 18. General admission visitors and Zoo members on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 19, may observe these informal sessions during regular operating hours.
Ticketed Encounters: “When Animals Listen”
On Thursday, August 20, and Friday, August 21, the Zoo will offer limited-capacity ticketed sessions under the title When Animals Listen: A Rare Encounter with PLUMES. Each session features a live performance for a specific animal group, followed by a close-up animal experience and a meet-and-greet with the artist. A souvenir T-shirt is also included.
Available sessions are:
Thursday, August 20: Giant Tortoises (10:00 a.m.), Wings of the World aviary (12:00 p.m.), Big Cats (2:00 p.m.)
Friday, August 21: Giant Tortoises (10:00 a.m.), Wings of the World aviary (12:00 p.m.)
Tickets start at $125 per session. Purchasing two sessions saves $25; all three saves $50. Availability is limited and tickets can be reserved at philadelphiazoo.org.
Evening Event on August 21
The Zoo will also host When Animals Listen: An Evening with PLUMES on Thursday, August 21, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. — an after-hours experience combining live performances across the Zoo grounds with cocktails and small bites. Premium tickets for this event are strictly limited. Details and reservations are available at philadelphiazoo.org.
Part of a Larger End-of-Summer Program
The PLUMES residency opens Philadelphia Zoo’s End-of-Summer Spectacular, a four-week series of weekend events running August 18 through September 13. Additional programming includes the Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Fest, a Teddy Bear Picnic featuring the Berenstain Bears, a Car Show presented by Pep Boys, an Art Festival, and an After Hours event presented by Surfside — several of which are new this year.
Philadelphia Zoo is located at 3400 W. Girard Avenue, at the corner of 34th Street and Girard Avenue in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
