Why we should love the beasties like wasps, mosquitoes, and sharks with Dr. Jo Wimpenny

In a compelling episode of "The Pawsitive Post in Conversation," hosts Zazie Todd, PhD, and Kristi Benson delved into the often-misunderstood world of "unloved" animals with acclaimed zoologist and author, Dr. Jo Wimpenny. The discussion centered on Dr. Wimpenny’s latest book, Beauty of the Beasts: Rethinking Nature’s Least Loved Animals, a work that challenges ingrained human biases and advocates for a broader appreciation of Earth’s diverse fauna, from the minuscule mosquito to the formidable shark. The interview, marking episode 57 of the popular podcast, highlighted the critical ecological roles played by creatures frequently demonized or dismissed, urging listeners to reconsider their inherent value.

The conversation offered a unique opportunity to explore the motivations behind human aversion to certain species and to uncover the surprising complexity and indispensable contributions of these "beasties" to global ecosystems. Dr. Wimpenny, known for her rigorous scientific background and accessible writing, presented a powerful argument for extending empathy and understanding beyond the conventionally charismatic megafauna.

Dr. Jo Wimpenny: A Career Advocating for the Animal Kingdom

Dr. Jo Wimpenny brings a distinguished academic and research background to her advocacy for animals. She commenced her scientific journey at the University of Bristol, studying Zoology, before pursuing her DPhil at Oxford University, where her research focused on problem-solving in crows—a testament to her early interest in animal cognition. Her postdoctoral work at Sheffield delved into the history of ornithology, culminating in her co-authorship of the critically acclaimed Ten Thousand Birds: Ornithology Since Darwin with Tim Birkhead and Bob Montgomerie. This monumental work earned the 2015 PROSE award for History of Science, Medicine and Technology, solidifying her reputation in the field.

Wimpenny’s subsequent book, Aesop’s Animals, explored animal cognition through the lens of classic fables, further deepening her inquiry into the human-animal relationship. It was this exploration that laid the groundwork for Beauty of the Beasts, prompting her to investigate the "irrational" and culturally driven nature of human emotional responses to animals. Her current work represents a natural progression, focusing intently on those species that evoke fear, disgust, or indifference, rather than admiration.

Challenging Perceptions: The Genesis of "Beauty of the Beasts"

Dr. Wimpenny articulated her motivation for writing Beauty of the Beasts as a direct "call to action for people to appreciate a much broader diversity of animal life on this planet." She critically observed that human support for animal conservation often stems from superficial criteria such as physical appearance, perceived harmlessness, or anthropomorphic resemblances. This selective empathy, she argued, neglects the vast majority of the animal kingdom and contributes to a profound ecological imbalance.

The prevailing era of rapid species loss underscores the urgency of this re-evaluation. "We’re living in this time where we’re losing so many species at such an alarming rate, many of whom we understand we don’t know enough about," Dr. Wimpenny stated. Her book aims to bridge this knowledge gap by shining a light on the sophisticated biology, cognitive abilities, and essential ecological functions of these maligned creatures. From demonstrating their problem-solving prowess and complex inner lives to highlighting their roles as "absolute superstars" within ecosystems, Dr. Wimpenny seeks to reveal their inherent sentience and value. Her ultimate goal is to foster a shift in human behavior, making individuals "a little bit less likely to reach for the bug spray or… the rat poison next time they see one of these creatures in what they think is their space."

The Interconnected Web: A Holistic View of Conservation

The podcast hosts and Dr. Wimpenny also explored the broader philosophical underpinnings of conservation, particularly the shift from a "species first" approach to a more holistic, ecological perspective. Kristi Benson highlighted the insights gained from working with Indigenous communities in Canada, where conservation often adopts a "holistic sort of approach to thinking about animals and about conservation." This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things within their habitats.

Dr. Wimpenny concurred, noting that conservation efforts have evolved from emblematic campaigns centered on single, charismatic species—like the giant panda for the World Wildlife Foundation—to comprehensive strategies that consider entire ecosystems. "Nature has spun this phenomenally tangled web of connection. Everything is built on kind of overlapping and interconnectedness," she explained.

The grave consequences of disrupting this web are increasingly evident. The removal of even seemingly insignificant species can trigger cascading effects throughout an ecosystem. Dr. Wimpenny cited the devastating vulture crisis in India as a stark example. The widespread use of diclofenac, a cheap anti-inflammatory drug administered to cattle, inadvertently led to the deaths of tens of millions of vultures that scavenged on their carcasses. These birds, once efficient natural waste disposers, disappeared, leading to a dramatic increase in feral dog populations, which then exacerbated the spread of rabies. This ecological disruption had direct human costs, with an estimated "100,000 extra deaths per year because of poor hygiene and water contamination" attributed to the absence of these vital scavengers. This tragic scenario powerfully illustrates the perils of a human-centric view that fails to recognize the intricate dependencies within natural systems.

Mosquitoes: Beyond the Bite

Perhaps the most challenging animal to advocate for, mosquitoes, took center stage in the discussion. Acknowledging her own "problematic relationship" with these bloodsuckers, Dr. Wimpenny sought to introduce nuance to their often-vilified image. The common perception of mosquitoes as mere disease vectors, responsible for immense human suffering, is undeniable. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 600,000 deaths in 2024 alone due to mosquito-spread diseases, with malaria being the most prominent.

However, Dr. Wimpenny stressed the vast diversity within the mosquito family, comprising approximately 3,500 species. Crucially, only a small fraction—estimated between 2.5% and 10%—are known to transmit diseases impacting humans. Eradicating all mosquitoes, she warned, would have catastrophic ecological repercussions.

Mosquitoes, like all insects, play fundamental roles in food webs. Their larvae provide a vital food source for aquatic life, including dragonflies and various fish species. Adult mosquitoes, in turn, are prey for numerous creatures, notably birds like swifts and swallows, and bats. As Dr. Wimpenny highlighted, "If we want to keep seeing things like swift… they need flying insects and mosquitoes will form a part of their diet."

Beyond their role as a food source, emerging research suggests mosquitoes may also contribute to pollination. One researcher Dr. Wimpenny interviewed observed pollen grains attached to the eyes of mosquito species, indicating an underappreciated role in plant reproduction. While the extent of this function requires further investigation, it underscores the vast unknowns about these ubiquitous insects.

Furthermore, Dr. Wimpenny emphasized the human dimension of mosquito-borne diseases. Malaria, for instance, is a preventable and treatable disease. The fact that hundreds of thousands still die annually points to significant socioeconomic disparities. "We’re living in an era where… there are hundreds of millions of people living in poverty. And it’s those are the people who are being disproportionately impacted by these diseases," she noted, suggesting that addressing human behavior and systemic inequities is as crucial as targeting the insects themselves.

Wasps: Unsung Heroes of Pest Control

The wasp, an animal frequently equated with nuisance and aggression, received a passionate defense from Dr. Wimpenny. Driven by a personal mission to convince her brothers, who "kill them when they see them," of the wasp’s worth, she highlighted the vast misconceptions surrounding these insects. The public typically associates the term "wasp" with the striped yellow-and-black social species that disrupt picnics. However, these are a tiny minority of the approximately 100,000 known wasp species worldwide.

The vast majority of wasps are solitary, posing no threat to humans. Among these, about half are "parasitoid wasps," which Dr. Wimpenny described as "super cool and really under the radar." These wasps exhibit fascinating and ecologically critical behaviors. They hunt other insects, such as cockroaches, spiders, or various larvae, paralyzing them with a highly specialized venom—a "cocktail of chemicals which is so precisely targeted to achieve a particular ecological function." The paralyzed prey then serves as a living larder for the wasp’s eggs, a gruesome yet efficient method of reproduction that plays a vital role in natural pest control.

The ecological and economic benefits of wasps are immense. They are indispensable for controlling populations of aphids, caterpillars, and other insects often considered pests in agriculture and gardening. "If we got rid of wasps, we would really notice it. They do this incredible service for us… completely under the radar and for free," Dr. Wimpenny asserted. Economic analyses have estimated their services to be worth "hundreds of millions of dollars" annually.

Dr. Wimpenny also challenged the notion that wasps are "out to get us." She explained that their brains, while sophisticated, lack the complex cognitive machinery required for malicious intent. Encounters with wasps are typically defensive reactions to perceived threats to their nests or foraging activities, rather than deliberate attacks. This reframing applies to many "unloved" animals; their actions are driven by instinct and survival, not by a desire to harm humans.

Sharks: Misunderstood Predators of the Deep

Sharks, often portrayed as terrifying, indiscriminate killers, represent another species whose public image is largely shaped by fear and sensationalism. While acknowledging their status as apex predators capable of causing harm—and the tragic reality of human lives lost to shark attacks—Dr. Wimpenny offered a perspective that emphasizes their relative harmlessness given the frequency of human-shark coexistence.

Recent media reports of shark sightings off the western coasts of North America, often sparking alarm, are in fact part of their "normal migration" patterns. Dr. Wimpenny cited research, including drone studies conducted off the Californian coast, that reveal a surprising degree of overlap between sharks (some up to 2 meters in length) and humans engaging in water activities like surfing, paddleboarding, and swimming. These studies consistently show very few, if any, negative interactions, suggesting that if sharks were "out to get us," attacks would be far more prevalent.

Theories surrounding shark attacks often point to "mistaken identity," where a shark might perceive a human shape from below as a seal or sea lion, its natural prey. Their investigatory method, unfortunately, involves biting. Dr. Wimpenny stressed that while attacks are tragic, they are not indicative of sharks actively seeking out humans. "I want to refute that they are swimming around and out to get us at every opportunity," she clarified, urging a more balanced understanding of these crucial marine predators. Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems by culling sick or weak animals and preventing overgrazing.

The "Unloved" vs. The "Adored": A Call for Consistency

Kristi Benson introduced a powerful Indigenous perspective: "animals are making a living in the world." This concept encourages viewing animal actions not as malevolent, but as natural behaviors essential for survival. Dr. Wimpenny embraced this idea, particularly in the final chapter of her book, which scrutinizes the behaviors of animals typically "loved" and "adored" by humans.

Her intention is not to diminish affection for popular animals but to advocate for "a little bit more consistency in the way that we’re thinking about different animals." She pointed out that many beloved species exhibit behaviors that, if observed in "unloved" animals, would be deemed unacceptable. Bottlenose dolphins, for example, widely celebrated for their intelligence and playful nature, can be highly aggressive, engage in forced copulation, and commit infanticide. Similarly, sea otters, often perceived as "cute and cuddly," also display behaviors that defy their gentle image.

Dr. Wimpenny attributed human favoritism partly to physical resemblance (mammals) and the "baby schema"—a concept by Konrad Lorenz describing features like round heads, big eyes, and small noses that trigger innate nurturing responses in humans. This biological predisposition means animals possessing these traits (like kittens or puppies) are automatically prioritized.

Even dogs, "our best friends and companions," contribute to a significant number of human deaths—approximately 40,000 globally each year, often exacerbated by rabies in certain regions, as Zazie Todd noted. Yet, human reactions to dog-related fatalities often involve making excuses ("something wrong with that dog," "didn’t really mean it"), a stark contrast to the sensationalism surrounding rare shark attacks. This highlights a fundamental inconsistency in how humans interpret and react to animal behaviors based on their preconceived notions of "good" or "bad" animals. Dr. Wimpenny’s message is clear: "Don’t stop being a fan of penguins and dolphins and even otters. But try and appreciate the others a bit more."

Vultures: Charismatic Ecosystem Cleaners

Among all the animals she researched for Beauty of the Beasts, Dr. Jo Wimpenny expressed the greatest enjoyment in writing about vultures. Her personal connection deepened significantly after a visit to a vulture breeding center in Wales, where she encountered these birds up close. Prior to this, her experiences were limited to observing them from a distance in the wild, performing their typical scavenging duties.

The vulture crisis, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, serves as a poignant example of the catastrophic consequences of human oversight. The mass mortality of tens of millions of Gyps vultures due to diclofenac led to a surge in feral dog populations and a corresponding increase in rabies cases, causing immense human suffering, especially among children. In Africa, vultures face threats from poisoning by livestock owners and their use in traditional medicines, further decimating their numbers.

Dr. Wimpenny passionately argued that the lack of widespread awareness or concern over the loss of "tens of millions of birds" underscores how undervalued these creatures are. Yet, their ecological role is indispensable: "No other animal can clean up the environment like vultures do as a group." They are highly specialized scavengers, preventing the spread of diseases by efficiently consuming carrion.

Her direct encounters revealed a previously unseen side: "they’re really charismatic, they’re fascinating birds and they’re curious and they’re playful and they’ve got their individual personalities." This personal experience transformed her from merely acknowledging their ecological importance into a "fully fledged vulture advocate." Her visit to the center, which breeds endangered species like hooded vultures, Cape Griffon vultures, and Andean condors for reintroduction into the wild, showcased the dedicated conservation efforts underway to reverse their decline.

Broader Implications for Conservation and Human Understanding

The discussion with Dr. Jo Wimpenny on "The Pawsitive Post in Conversation" transcends mere animal facts, offering profound implications for conservation strategies and human-animal relationships. By challenging anthropocentric biases and encouraging a more consistent, evidence-based approach to animal evaluation, Beauty of the Beasts aims to foster a deeper, more inclusive form of environmental stewardship.

The core message is that all species, not just the conventionally attractive or beneficial, contribute to the intricate balance of life on Earth. Recognizing the complex inner lives and essential ecological functions of "unloved" animals is crucial for effective conservation in an era of unprecedented biodiversity loss. Dr. Wimpenny’s work highlights the urgent need for education and empathy, encouraging individuals to look beyond superficial appearances and ingrained fears.

By understanding the true roles of creatures like mosquitoes, wasps, and sharks, and by acknowledging the less glamorous behaviors of beloved animals, humans can cultivate a more mature and responsible relationship with the natural world. This shift in perception is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is a vital step towards ensuring the health and resilience of global ecosystems, and ultimately, our own well-being. Dr. Wimpenny’s book serves as a powerful reminder that true beauty and immense value often reside in the least expected corners of the animal kingdom.