Instant Genius Why we need to save ugly, creepy, scary and misunderstood animals
Mar 16, 2026
Jo Wimpenny, author and animal behaviour specialist, argues for rethinking our prejudice against unattractive creatures. She discusses medical uses of snake venom. She highlights maggot therapy and cockroaches as vital ecosystem cleaners. She defends wasps and explores why we find some animals disgusting.
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Human Exceptionalism Shaped Animal Value
- Human exceptionalism shaped how animals were valued historically and placed humans above other life in a hierarchy.
- Jo Wimpenny traces this to Abrahamic religions and the Great Chain of Being which justified dominion over animals.
Research Bias Still Skews Animal Study
- Scientific study expanded beyond charismatic species but remains biased toward a few groups like great apes historically.
- Jo Wimpenny notes comparative research now includes invertebrates and livestock, though gaps remain.
We Attend To Snakes More Than We Fear Them
- Humans pay privileged attention to snakes likely due to co-evolution and unusual movement rather than innate fear.
- Vanessa Laboue's work shows infants are fascinated by snakes and tarantulas, indicating attention rather than immediate fear.
