Rescue Elephants Archives - Good Living Guide

Paul Barton is a gifted musician who plays for a highly select audience. He sits at a piano in the middle of an elephant sanctuary and plays classical music to elderly, blind elephants.

Barton has also done special concerts of Christmas music and music for baby elephants, but his special emphasis is on the old, blind and rescued elephants.

Here’s How It All Began

Barton is a professional pianist and artist from the UK. In 1996, he traveled to Thailand. He intended to stay only three months, but his plans changed when he met and married his wife Khwan.

Barton’s wife is a noted animal welfare activist in Thailand, and she got him interested in helping Thailand’s elephants. He became enchanted with the elephants at Elephant World, many of whom had formerly been abused or neglected.

Inspired to Serenade Elephants

Barton knew that some classical music can be peaceful and comforting, and he also knew that elephants are highly sensitive. He thought it might be worth trying a little musical experiment.

One of his first audience members was Ampan, an 80-year-old elephant who is blind in one eye. Barton says he will never forget her powerful reaction to his performance.

Spreading Love Through His Music

Since then, Barton’s life has totally changed. He has earned some well-deserved fame. He has a YouTube channel where he posts his professional work along with videos of his elephant concerts.

Barton’s decision to share his musical gifts with these abused, gentle and sensitive beasts has earned him a place in millions of hearts. Long may he play piano in the jungle.