Five animals dubbed exotic have become internet sensations, but their newfound fame may not be to their benefit.

One might jokingly say that the internet belongs to cats, but other animals are buying up popularity stock. Axolotls, pythons, spiders, and capybaras are among the animals with billions of views on TikTok. This has happened partly because they are cute or ugly-cute. However, experts claim it is also related to TikTok.

“People respond to videos where various explanations are added to the animals,” writes Julia Lee Cunningham, an associate professor at the University of Michigan and a National Geographic explorer, in an email (Julia Lee Cunningham).

The video clips motivate us to care for wild animals, but at the same time, they can also cause hidden harm as more and more people seek out exotic animals as pets.

Why do these animals appeal to people so much? How does such adoration affect their welfare?
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