If you grew up watching animated movies, you likely remember that breathless feeling of sadness as Simba mourned the loss of his father or the heartbreak when Bambi’s mother was killed by a hunter. For many, these films weren’t just stories—they were stepping stones into a deep love and appreciation for the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. Characters like Simba and Bambi, with their human-like emotions and struggles, allowed us to connect with animals in ways we’d never imagined. Yet, how many of us were sorely disappointed when we realized that lion cubs don’t sing and dance with warthog and meerkat companions to escape their responsibilities? These movies, beloved and central to our childhoods, shape our understanding of wildlife from an early age, even as they blur the lines between the animal kingdom and human experiences.
Anthropomorphism, the attribution of human traits, emotions, or behaviors to animals is a powerful tool that shapes how we relate to the animal world [1]. In animated movies, animals are often portrayed with complex human-like emotions and social dynamics, making them relatable and endearing to viewers. This is particularly influential in films targeted toward children, where anthropomorphized characters form the foundation of how younger audiences perceive and connect with animals. By watching animals experience love, loss, and friendship in ways that mirror human life, children grow up with empathy for these creatures, which often extends into adulthood. This article will explore how the personification of animals in animated films impacts public perception, empathy towards wildlife, and conservation efforts.
Anthropomorphizing animals has a long history in human storytelling, from ancient folklore and fables like Aesop’s tales to mythologies where animals take on human roles and traits. In movies, this tradition was brought back to life with early Disney classics such as Bambi (1942) and Dumbo (1941), where animals were given voices, emotions, and complex narratives. These earlier films laid the groundwork for a deeper trend in animation, using animals to explore themes of love, loss, and resilience in ways that resonate with audiences of all ages. Over time, anthropomorphized animals have become a staple of animated cinema, evolving in modern films like Zootopia (2016), which tackles social issues through animal allegories, or Finding Dory (2016), where marine life is depicted with human-like relationships and challenges. What began as a storytelling technique in folklore has become a defining feature of animation, helping audiences engage emotionally with animals in a way that often shapes their understanding of real-world wildlife and their behaviors.
Humans are cognitively predisposed to anthropomorphize non-human entities, including animals, due to our brain’s inclination to detect patterns and project familiar traits onto the world around us. This is rooted in our evolutionary need to understand and predict the behavior of others, which has extended beyond just human interactions to include animals and objects [2]. By attributing human emotions, motivations, and social behaviors to animals, films make these characters more relatable and easier for audiences to engage with [3]. Anthropomorphism in media, particularly animated films, capitalizes on this natural inclination by showing animals expressing complex emotions, communicating, and experiencing human-like struggles. This makes them not only more entertaining but also fosters emotional connections that might not be easily formed with realistic, non-human depictions.
Personification in animated films may also raise awareness about real animal behaviors and struggles. By giving animals relatable, human-like qualities, these films highlight important environmental and animal welfare issues. For instance, Happy Feet (2006) tells the story of penguins affected by habitat loss due to climate change, while Rio (2011) focuses on the plight of endangered species and the illegal wildlife trade. Through these stories, viewers are introduced to real-world challenges faced by animals in a way that resonates emotionally. When animals in films are depicted with human-like emotions and personalities, viewers can form emotional bonds with them thatthen can translate into empathy and a sense of responsibility toward real animals [4]. Research also suggests that anthropomorphized portrayals can make complex environmental issues more accessible and impactful, motivating viewers to support conservation efforts and animal welfare initiatives [5]. They have been known to ignite environmental movements and shape conservation efforts. Finding Nemo (2003) enchanted audiences with its colorful coral reefs and vibrant marine life, but it also sparked conversations about the fragility of these ecosystems and the dangers of overfishing. The film’s popularity inspired campaigns advocating for sustainable fishing practices and reef protection, as well as a push for responsible marine pet ownership. Similarly, Finding Dory (2016) tackled topics concerning marine captivity, pollution, and overfishing, further encouraging audiences to reflect on the ethics of how we treat ocean wildlife. The Lion King (1994), with its depiction of the African savanna, created a global fascination with lions and other African wildlife. The film played a role in increasing awareness of the threats facing these species, from habitat loss to poaching, and inspired donations to wildlife conservation organizations. In some cases, the influence of these films extends to impactful policy changes. Marine protection laws and restrictions on capturing wild fish for aquariums gained traction after the success of Finding Nemo [6], and advocacy for sustainable practices followed. Animated films may tell fictional tales, but their impact on real-world environmental awareness and action is undeniable, reminding us of the powerful intersection of storytelling and conservation.
While anthropomorphizing animals can foster empathy, it can also lead to misunderstandings about their nature. In many animated films, predators are often villainized, reinforcing negative stereotypes. For example, The Little Mermaid (1989) depicts sharks as relentless, menacing creatures, and Shark Tale (2004) paints sharks as mobsters, reinforcing the idea of these predators as inherently dangerous or evil. As predators are cast as the villains in these movies, they shape public perception to view them as threats rather than integral parts of ecosystems. This oversimplification of animal behavior through anthropomorphism can skew understanding of the natural world, reducing complex survival behaviors to characteristics of “good” and “bad” animals. By portraying predators as malevolent and prey as sympathetic heroes, these films misportray the vital ecological roles that all species play in maintaining balance within ecosystems. This can lead to misconceptions, such as fear of predators or a lack of appreciation for the nuanced dynamics of predator-prey relationships in nature.
Anthropomorphized animals in movies have a way of capturing our hearts with their quirky personalities, heroic deeds, and endearing friendships. But this romanticized lens can set us up for disappointment when we encounter real animals behaving, well, like animals. We might imagine elephants forming lifelong friendships filled with unwavering emotional support, only to learn their relationships, while complex in nature, are also influenced by competition and shifting social dynamics [7]. Or we might picture penguins as devoted romantics who mate for life, inspired by movies like Happy Feet (2006), only to find that in many cases, their pair bonds dissolve after a season, driven by reproductive success rather than love [8]. The discrepancy between the adorable or heroic creatures we’ve come to know on screen and the raw realities of animal life can be jarring. Misrepresentation of natural behaviors, such as the necessity of competition or the flexibility of mating systems, can lead to disillusionment when animals fail to live up to our humanized expectations. These portrayals do a great job of forging emotional connections, but they risk overshadowing the incredible and complex nature of instinctual and perfectly adapted wild animals.
Issues from portraying animals as friendly and approachable in animated movies can not only distort our perception of their relationships but can also have unexpected and sometimes dangerous consequences if they inspire people to seek closer encounters with wildlife. After the release of Finding Nemo (2003), the clownfish became a symbol of innocence and adventure, leading to a surge in demand for these fish as exotic pets [6]. This craze contributed to the overharvesting of clownfish populations in the wild, threatening their ecosystems. Similarly, movies like The Jungle Book (1967) or Madagascar (2005) create a sense that wild animals are harmless companions, encouraging people to engage in risky behaviors, like approaching or feeding wildlife in the hopes of recreating the magic of their favorite films. This can lead to harm for both humans and animals. Wildlife may become stressed, aggressive, or overly dependent on humans, while individuals risk injury or disrupting natural habitats [9]. While these films entertain us with their relatable and playful characters, they also blur the boundaries between wild and domestic.
Films featuring animated animals have had a significant impact on captive animals as well. For instance, when movies like 101 Dalmatians featured these breeds as beloved characters in their films, there was a significant increase of the number of Dalmatians registered to the American Kennel Club in subsequent years (Figure 1).
Animated films have the ability to inspire young viewers, planting the seeds of empathy and environmental stewardship at an early age. For many of us working in fields like animal behavior, conservation, and ecology, our passion began with what we saw on screen. Who didn’t fall in love with the idea of the great circle of life in The Lion King or dream of exploring the vast blue oceans like Finding Nemo? These films don’t just entertain; they spark curiosity about the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. They introduce big ideas like habitat loss, biodiversity, and the importance of coexistence in ways young minds can understand. By creating emotional connections, these films encourage a generation to grow up caring deeply about animal welfare and the environment, potentially shaping future conservationists, researchers, and advocates.
Filmmakers have an incredible opportunity and responsibility to create nuanced portrayals of animals that balance fostering empathy with a realistic understanding of wildlife; create stories that celebrate the wonder of the natural world without overly romanticizing it. For viewers, it’s equally important to enjoy these tales with a critical lens. Anthropomorphism is a powerful storytelling tool, but it’s not without limitations. By staying informed about real-world wildlife conservation issues, audiences can use their emotional connection to drive meaningful action. Whether it’s donating to a conservation group, advocating for animal welfare policies, or simply choosing to learn more about the species that captured their hearts on screen, everyone has a role to play in protecting the natural world.
Authors Sabrina Mederos and Isabelle McDonald-Gilmartin are 5th-year PhD candidates in the UC Davis Animal Behavior Graduate Group. Sabrina studies the neurobiology of pair bonding in seahorses and prairie voles, while Isabelle focuses on abnormal behaviors in dairy cattle. Both share a love for the animals around them and animated movies!
References:
[1] Horowitz, A. C., & Bekoff, M. (2007). Naturalizing anthropomorphism: Behavioral prompts to our humanizing of animals. Anthrozoös, 20(1), 23–35. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279307780216650
[2] Waytz, A., Morewedge, C. K., Epley, N., Monteleone, G., Gao, J.-H., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Making sense by making sentient: Effectance motivation increases anthropomorphism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 99(3), 410–435. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0020240
[3] Epley, N., Waytz, A., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2007). On seeing human: A three-factor theory of anthropomorphism. Psychological Review, 114(4), 864–886. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.114.4.864
[4] Tam, K.-P. (2013). Dispositional empathy with nature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 35, 92–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.05.004
[5] Chan, A. A. Y. H. (2012). Anthropomorphism as a conservation tool. Biodiversity and Conservation, 21(6), 1889–1892. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-012-0274-6
[6] Militz, T. A., & Foale, S. (2017). The “Nemo Effect”: Perception and reality of Finding Nemo’s impact on marine aquarium fisheries. Fish and Fisheries, 18(4), 596–606. https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.12202
[7] Goldenberg, S. Z., Douglas-Hamilton, I., & Wittemyer, G. (2016). Vertical transmission of social roles drives resilience to poaching in elephant networks. Current Biology, 26(1), 75–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2015.11.005
[8] Wagner, E. L., Cappello, C. D., & Boersma, P. D. (2022). Should I stay or should I go: Factors influencing mate retention and divorce in a colonial seabird. Animal Behaviour, 192, 133–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.08.004
[9] Orams, M. B. (2002). Feeding wildlife as a tourism attraction: A review of issues and impacts. Tourism Management, 23(3), 281–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(01)00080-2
[10] Ghirlanda, S., Acerbi, A., & Herzog, H. (2014). Dog movie stars and dog breed popularity: A case study in media influence on choice. PLOS ONE, 9(9), e106565. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0106565
[Edited by Isabel Kier]