Why are animals so popular?

I can only explain it by saying that animals function as symbols of empathy. They emphasize certain characteristics like cuteness or strength. Drawn or animated animals allow for a lot of creativity. The use of animals for marketing purposes, in the broadest sense, is of course nothing new and divers characteristics have been attributed to certain animals. Sometimes these attributes have even become the main features of the animals. 

Well-known examples are the lion and its strength, the lone wolf, the good memory of an elephant, the clever or the cunning fox. Such associations are useful for metaphorical uses. 

When choosing an animal for marketing, such established, culturally determined associations must not be ignored. In the audiovisual context, animals themselves are used to increase emotionality through their behaviors. In particular, animals that are perceived as cute or funny connect with positive feelings.