Yes, but that goes only for infant animals, infant animals generally look cute to most predators, to give them a chance to survive if they are detected by a predator.
But I think the question is meant to go further than that, because animals can become part of our group as adults too. And will help rescue and protect in a situation of disaster, and will also be rescued and protected. For those animals the love goes deeper than just looks.
I think animal affection – particularly for cute, non useful animals – is an extension of our infant protection drive.
Yes, but that goes only for infant animals, infant animals generally look cute to most predators, to give them a chance to survive if they are detected by a predator.
But I think the question is meant to go further than that, because animals can become part of our group as adults too. And will help rescue and protect in a situation of disaster, and will also be rescued and protected. For those animals the love goes deeper than just looks.