If watching the news makes you anxious, 2024 was a bad year. The return of Donald Trump. Global temperatures breaking new records. Political instability in Europe and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East.

No wonder some people avoid the news completely. Others only follow sports, or else celebrity gossip. And many people turn their attention to the animal world. From online videos to newspaper stories - 2024 was a bumper year. Here are five of our favourites:

1.Moo Deng. In September, this pygmy hippo went viral for her big eyes, even bigger mouth, and general love of mayhemA situation that is not controlled or ordered, when people are behaving in a disorganised, confused, or even violent way.. With a name that means "bouncy pig" in Thai,¹ millions watched her biting her keeper, wriggling away from her mother, and sliding around the place with her slimy, shiny body.

2. Neil the seal. This baby elephant seal weighs 600kg and roams the streets of Tasmania, an island off the coast of Australia. He is known to eat traffic cones and fall asleep in the middle of the road.² Neil has attracted plenty of fans, but the local authorities warn people to keep a safe distance from this wild animal.

3. Cinnamon the capybara. In autumn, a young capybaraThe largest living rodent, which native to South America. named Cinnamon escaped from Hoo Zoo in Shropshire. Owner Will Dorrell claimed that the she was probably "living her best life", which made headlines around the world, as well as inspiring memes, merchandise, and even a song.³

4. Apocalyptic horses. In April, five military horses broke loose during their morning exercise in London. They then ran through the rush-hour traffic, colliding with people and vehicles. Fortunately, the horses were recovered, but many observers on social media asked whether this meant the apocalypseA Christian name for the end of the world. Descended from a Greek word meaning uncover, it was used to describe the Biblical book of Revelation. was close.⁴

5. Sphen the penguin. In 2018 a pair of male Gentoo penguins - Sphen and Magic - fell in love at Sydney's Sea Life aquarium and began raising chicks together. The penguins became so famous that they were referenced in Australia's education syllabus and a Netflix series. Sadly, Sphen died in August at the age of 11. "The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking to the penguin colony," said general manager Richard Dilly.⁵

Memes, videos and stories about animals are often silly. Critics claim that they distract people from serious subjects by wasting their time online. In some cases, the animal stunts are the result of cruel breeding and training practices, which gives them lives of misery, according to journalist Chas Newkey-Burden.⁶

But others argue that animals are an important form of emotional regulation. This means a person's ability to recognise and control their emotional state.⁷ If someone is feeling anxious, watching videos of adorable kittens is a simple and effective way to calm down.

The same is true for owning dogs, cats and other domestic animals. Pets provide companionship, reduce stress, and encourage good habits.⁸ They can even lower the risk of heart disease and teach children how to socialise. When the world seems to be going mad, animals help to keep people healthy and happy.

Do pets keep us sane?

Yes: Pets provide perspective for our lives. Animals just want food, warmth and loving companionship. They are not a distraction but a reminder of what matters most.

No: Given all the problems facing the world, it is irresponsible to waste time watching videos of animals. Besides, many of these stories come from animals living in captivity, fear or even danger.

Or... The popularity of pets online shows that people are desperate for stories that make them feel better. When faced with so much bad news, thank goodness for the animal kingdom.