[eleveriven]

At the same time, I think it's risky to lean too hard on the idea that captivity is the only way to sustain concern

[throaway54]

It isn't, but its often been the only reason that a species didn't go extinct.

[Imustaskforhelp]

Pandas being one of those species. I feel as if pandas would go extinct if zoos weren't there.

technically panda's cuteness is the reason why it hasn't really gotten extinct. Dogs/Cats have also mastered the cuteness stat. I wonder if for animals, evolution might now lean towards cuteness.

I am also thinking what counts as cute in the first place? Is there any scientific consensus around cuteness that animals can develop?