We Don't Give Uglier Animals The Love They Need — Leading to Conservation Concerns

Ugly animals need love too. Learn why we need to overcome our aversion to ugly animals to help with research and conservation.

By Avery Hurt
Feb 24, 2025 2:00 PM
ugly anglerfish
(Credit: Kan Sukarakan/Shutterstock)

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You’re probably concerned about the plight of polar bears. You may reach for your wallet when you see a panda on a fundraising flyer. But have you given much thought to the blobfish?

More often than not, our reactions to animals are not very rational. Regardless of the threats to their survival, we love and often try to help animals we think are beautiful or cute. Others, not so much.

People who raise money for conservation know this. That’s why the World Wildlife Fund has a panda on its logo and why certain animals are said to have “donor appeal.”

Human-Animal Relationships

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