French pianist Richard Clayderman played the piano to Galapagos tortoises Dirk, aged 70, and Polly, in an attempt to put the reptiles in the mood to mate, at London zoo, Thursday Feb. 7, 2013. Galapagos tortoises are the largest in the world and can live for over 150 years, but the gentle animals have struggled to fend off predators and are now under threat. In hopes of becoming matchmakers, the London Zoo and Clayderman joined forces to create a more romantic mood for the couple. Clayderman said that his golden retriever loved to lie by the piano when he was playing, “so maybe it’s good for the animals to listen to music.”
French pianist Richard Clayderman serenades Galapagos tortoises Dirk, aged 70, and Polly, in an attempt to put the reptiles in the mood to mate, at London zoo, Thursday Feb. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/PA, Lewis Whyld)
Alas, the plan didn’t seem to work as the Galapagos tortoises didn’t appear particularly impressed by Clayderman’s hit, “Ballade pour Adeline,” and even a rousing rendition of “Chariots of Fire” did little to lift their spirits. The tortoises lumbered around impassively while Clayderman serenaded them and they only seemed to perk up when zookeepers brought them some carrots.
Clayderman himself seemed a bit bemused by his record company’s launch stunt. “After playing all around the world — I used to do concerts in Asia, in South America, in Europe — it’s funny to be here, in this very nice zoo,” he said.
