I read an article a while back about the ratio of the eyes to the overall size of the head as it pertains to baby mammals. There is something about that proportion that affects us when we look at it.
It causes a chemical reaction in our brains – serotonin is released. Just looking at babies makes us makes us feel good. This is a biological response that helps us bond with a newborn. Looking into it’s eyes gives us a feeling similar to falling in love.
The interesting thing is that it doesn’t need to be a human baby, any mammal will do. When you think about it it makes a lot of sense. It’s why we visit the shelter and develop “puppy amnesia” – looking into those big eyes makes us forget all about housebreaking, destroyed slippers, and sleepless nights.
Our biology makes them almost impossible to resist. It’s why we smile and coo when we see a baby in a stroller, or why we bend down to pet a puppy on a leash. Our affect changes as does our vocal inflection. We make ourselves approachable and safe.
Our brains don’t have the same reaction when we look at non-mammals, this young emu doesn’t prompt the same feeling. It’s interesting, it’s cute in an ugly sort of way, but I’m not wanting to take it home.
Perhaps all this current political strife could be simply and quickly solved. Instead of attack ads and sound bytes, maybe candidates should just run commercials made up of their baby pictures, or their kids baby pictures, or pictures of random puppies and kittens.
It wouldn’t fix the economy or put us on a path to world peace, but it might make us feel good.
the eff stop 
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I’m a ‘sucker’ for a baby of any kind. (maybe that’s why i love the zoo so much – in the absence of any wildlife near my inner city home).
Lovely images, Lorri.
Thanks Vicki – I am too. I just discovered a tiny little zoo and it’s a blast to shoot there.
Tiny or not – a zoo is a zoo.
Look forward to seeing some more baby animals – love them.
š
Awwwww… so cute! Wonderful series of cuteness. I want to take them all home. Even the emu. That’s a great idea for the political candidates. š
š
Ah, I see you have changed your main photo. Great choice on the new one. Love it!
And love all the shots as well
have a great weekend š
Thanks Elizabeth – seasons change so it seemed like time for a change:)
What a wonderful post and photos! Good point about politics right now. I might take it a step further and say the country would be better off if we just fill Washington with animals and make the politicians care for them, rather than creating more of what they do, we’d all be better off.
LOL – Just not Donkeys and Elephants!
Agreed! Is there an animal for Independents? How about the cat?
Perfect – about as independent as they come.
O.K., we are all set, I am sure Nia can help with the right mascot.
š
Love those little faces! š
They are pretty irresistible š
Fascinating!! Thanks for posting this š
Thanks for stopping by! Love those big ole horses!
LOL! Thanks!
Love all these big beautiful eyes! And I’m voting for you….. š
Woot – 1 vote for the Serotonin Party!
LOL! I’m betting we could get a bunch of “write – in’s” !
Ha! We just want to feel good about things again!
exactly!
What a wonderful post. I have never thought about this before.
ps, I would take the emu home hahahaha!
Oh Jules, and emu would be happy to live with you. I think they are fascinating.
You are right about that emu. It reminded by of this old guy I saw at the waffle house once. Not good and definitely NOT taking it home! š
Hahahahahaha – if that’s what the poor thing looks like as a baby I wonder what it would look like fully grown.
Great post! I have read those facts before, but never punctuated with such convincing evidence! š Beautiful!
Thank you!
I don’t know. I’m still thinking you should take the emu home!!! Cute is over rated.
Hah – that guy was a baby, I think he could grow up to be a beast.
I like to feel good! I have never thought of the big eyes thing, but it makes sense!
š
What beautiful pictures — and you may actually be a political genius!
LOL – I’m counting the days until the election is over.
Compared to the stuff they are putting in their ads now, your idea has got to be an improvement! Thank you for the adorable photos too!
Russ
Ha – thanks Russ