Renaud’s “Les Animals” is a cheeky love letter to the entire animal kingdom. The singer lists a joyful parade of creatures—from cuddly kittens and majestic phoenixes to lumbering cachalots—sprinkling in playful made-up plurals like chevals and narveaux. His whimsical roll call feels like a child’s picture book come to life, showing pure affection and curiosity for every species, no matter how big, small, common, or mythical.
Yet tucked beneath the humor is a sharp environmental message. After celebrating owls, dolphins, and even slugs, Renaud flips the spotlight onto humans, labeling us the “worst animals” for the cruelty we inflict through bullfights, trophy hunting, and other blood sports. The contrast is stark: animals simply are, while people choose violence. By the end, the song urges listeners to swap brutality for compassion and to protect the very creatures that make our world so vibrant.