"Zoos worldwide are visited by great numbers of people, and many of these visitors prefer to see large, rare mammals, the so-called . Zoos and the researchers who use them also appear to prioritise these species, as evidenced by the number of scientific publications which investigate the welfare of charismatic rather than non-charismatic species. However, the charismatic animals also attract more welfare-related concern from groups and the media than the non-charismatics. To this extent the charismatics could be regarded as problematic animals in the zoo. ... However, there is also evidence that their popularity helps zoos achieve their conservation mission, both by increasing funding available for field conservation and by contributing towards education and awareness raising of conservation issues. Nevertheless, the non-charismatics are equally deserving of attention, and more work needs to be done on their welfare."