People tend to rally around animals that are visually appealing. Pandas, tigers, and polar bears capture hearts and donations. Meanwhile, creatures like the blobfish go unnoticed. This preference isn’t based on the urgency of their conservation status but on how they make us feel.
Fundraisers understand this bias. That’s why the World Wildlife Fund chose a panda as its symbol. It’s why certain species are labeled as having “donor appeal.” The more an animal tugs at human emotions, the more likely it is to receive funding and research attention.
Why Some Animals Get More Love
Humans are drawn to specific traits in animals. Large eyes, round faces, and soft fur trigger a deep emotional response. These features mimic those of human babies, making them almost impossible to resist.
Austrian ethologist Konrad Lorenz coined the term Kindchenschema or “baby schema.” This set of physical traits—big eyes, chubby cheeks, and a large head relative to the body—stimulates a caregiving response in adults. Essentially, creatures that resemble babies provoke an instinct to nurture and protect them.
This reaction isn’t just sentimental. Neuroscientific research has shown that encountering something cute activates key areas of the brain. The orbitofrontal cortex, which processes emotions and pleasure, lights up almost instantly.
A study in Trends in Cognitive Sciences described how cuteness “hijacks our brains.” It grabs attention in a way that’s hard to ignore. When exposed to baby-like features, people experience increased activity in regions tied to affection and bonding.
Cuteness can even trigger chemical changes. Oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone,” plays a role in forming emotional bonds. Dopamine, linked to pleasure and reward, also surges in response to adorable sights. The brain reinforces behaviors that involve interacting with cute creatures, making people more likely to care for them.
The Evolutionary Roots of Our Preferences
Hal Herzog, an expert in human-animal relationships, explains why humans are wired to respond to cuteness. Newborns are helpless and require constant care. Those who instinctively responded to baby-like traits were more likely to nurture their children, ensuring survival. Over generations, this preference became deeply ingrained.
However, this instinct doesn’t just apply to human infants. Puppies, kittens, and even baby seals evoke similar reactions. According to Herzog, pet ownership may stem from this same misplaced parental instinct. In essence, humans have evolved to care for vulnerable-looking creatures, even when they aren’t our own species.
The Problem With Prioritizing Cuteness
This hardwired preference comes at a cost. Conservation efforts tend to focus on photogenic species, leaving less-attractive animals overlooked.
Simon Watt, a science communicator and evolutionary biologist, has made it his mission to change that. He founded the Ugly Animal Society, a project that highlights underappreciated species.
“If you’re a tiger or an elephant, researchers will compete for the chance to study you,” Watt explains. “But if you’re an invertebrate or an obscure sea creature, you might not get the same attention. That’s a problem.”
The society isn’t a formal organization, but it has gained real traction. Its mascot is the blobfish, once declared the world’s ugliest animal. The goal is to use humor and curiosity to spotlight neglected species, making them more visible to the public.
Watt, an ambassador for The World Land Trust, emphasizes that this isn’t about dismissing existing conservation efforts. “It’s fantastic that people want to help pandas,” he says. “But we need to look beyond the charismatic species. Protecting entire ecosystems means paying attention to less glamorous creatures too.”
Conservation Requires a Broader Perspective
The survival of a species often depends on human perception. Unfortunately, many animals that play crucial roles in ecosystems are not conventionally attractive.
Insects, amphibians, and deep-sea creatures contribute to biodiversity in essential ways. They pollinate plants, decompose waste, and regulate food chains. Yet, their lack of visual appeal means they receive far less conservation funding.
Scientists argue that conservation shouldn’t be a popularity contest. Every species plays a role in maintaining ecological balance. When certain animals are neglected, ecosystems suffer.
Efforts to shift public perception are growing. Campaigns now emphasize the importance of overlooked species. Some conservationists use storytelling and photography to highlight the unique beauty of less-appreciated animals. Others focus on educating the public about their ecological significance.
The Case of the Kakapo and the Aye-Aye
Some organizations are working to change public perception of odd-looking species. The kakapo, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, has gained attention despite its unconventional appearance. With a round, owl-like face and a clumsy nature, the kakapo was on the brink of extinction. Conservation efforts, including media campaigns and a dedicated breeding program, have helped boost its population.
Similarly, the aye-aye, a nocturnal primate from Madagascar, has suffered due to its eerie look. With long, bony fingers and large eyes, it is often feared and misunderstood. In Malagasy folklore, it’s considered a bad omen, leading to unnecessary killings. Conservationists have worked hard to rebrand the aye-aye’s image and educate locals about its importance to the ecosystem.
Recent Conservation Success Stories
In 2023, a groundbreaking study revealed that targeted awareness campaigns could improve public perception of ugly animals. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that people exposed to information about lesser-known species became more willing to support their conservation. This finding suggests that storytelling and education can shift biases and expand conservation efforts beyond just cute animals.
Similarly, the case of the saiga antelope has shown that even odd-looking animals can garner global support. Once critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, the saiga has rebounded thanks to strict protection measures and increased media coverage. Its unique, oversized nose may not make it conventionally cute, but its ecological role is irreplaceable.
The Future of Wildlife Conservation
As conservationists push for a broader approach, new strategies are emerging. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences now allow people to interact with endangered animals in immersive ways. Zoos and wildlife organizations use these technologies to foster empathy for less popular species.
Another innovative approach is citizen science. Projects like National Geographic’s Photo Ark encourage people to photograph and share images of underrepresented species. By normalizing their visibility, these projects help shift public perception.
Ultimately, protecting biodiversity requires moving beyond emotional bias. Cute animals may capture attention, but conservation should prioritize all creatures—regardless of appearance. The natural world is interconnected. Saving one species often means preserving many others in the process.
By expanding conservation efforts to include the less attractive, the world stands a better chance of protecting its rich and diverse ecosystems. It’s time to give all animals the love they deserve.
