Video: Flutist Serenades Rescued Animals, and They Love It

At a sanctuary in India, rescuers take in some of the most neglected animals in the world: the bullocks, donkeys, and others who were forced to spend every day for years doing heavy labor in India’s poor farming communities. PETA’s friends at Animal Rahat (“rahat” means “relief”) have known many of these animals for a long time: Staffers go out into the surrounding communities and treat animals suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, muscle strains, lameness, and untreated injuries. They’re on call for animal emergencies of any kind, day or night, year-round. Often, they’re able to persuade an owner to let an aging animal go to the Animal Rahat sanctuary.

There, retired working animals have the freedom to do whatever they choose. They enjoy the company of friends, lick salt blocks, munch on fresh green grass, eat delicacies such as groundnut cake and chickpeas, swim, or roll in the sand pit. Or they just rest in the shade, free from the threat of whips and other torture devices for the rest of their lives.

And sometimes, the animals get a very special treat.

Animal Rahat lined up flute player Rasul Mulani to give all the sanctuary residents a relaxing private concert. One staff member recorded it, and the video is one that you’ll want to watch again and again.

When it comes to enjoying music, forming lasting friendships, swimming, playing games, relaxing in the sun, and just relishing the freedom to make our own choices, all animals—including humans—are very much the same. Please, recognize other animals as individuals, and allow them to be free and live in peace.