These lemurs like to 'move it, move it' to the sound of a harp

Alison Ware, a harp therapist, brings a unique form of enrichment to the National Zoo and Aquarium, performing for its diverse inhabitants every fortnight. For five years, Ware has volunteered her time, using the soothing sounds of her harp to engage animals ranging from rhinos and lemurs to lions and even fish.

“

It's really like humans, some days we feel like music and some days we don't.

Ware carefully observes each animal's response, adjusting her music's tempo, tone, and volume. She notes that primates often respond best to the lighter sound of a smaller harp, while rhinos are drawn to the deeper tones produced by a larger instrument. Her audience, however, is not limited to mammals; even the South American pacu in the aquarium have been observed swimming towards the music.

“

Most of the animals fall asleep or they'll come closer to listen to the music.

"Most of the animals fall asleep or they'll come closer to listen to the music," Ware said. Her daughter, Olivia Ware, who is the head primate keeper, confirms the positive impact. "It's nice to bring the harp in as it's such a unique auditory enrichment. It's also very calming for them as well," Olivia Ware stated, adding that the lemurs particularly enjoy the smaller harp and often curl up to listen.

“

It's nice to bring the harp in as it's such a unique auditory enrichment. It's also very calming for them as well.

Beyond her work at the zoo, Alison Ware has dedicated over two decades to clinical music therapy, supporting patients in palliative care, emergency rooms, and aged care facilities. She sees her musical outreach to animals as a natural extension of this compassionate work, driven by a lifelong enjoyment of spending time with animals.

“

Normally they just sit in the sun, curl up in a ball and listen to the harp.