No we’re not talking about what they do to livestock to identify ownership we’re exploring how successful animals have been in marketing.
For some companies, integrating an animal mascot has delivered exceptional benefits. We all know how potent animal animation can be so it’s not surprising so many brands have tied their identity to a cute animal character. Here are some of the more successful.
Mail Chimp
An extremely popular monkey character, often given as an example of a successfully established brand cartoon design: Freddie the MailChimp mascot!
This friendly chimpanzee as a symbolism of playfulness conveys the feeling that MailChimp is easy and fun to use. His overall look, being dressed as a mailman, is not only super unique but it clearly speaks a lot of what the company does. Well done!
An extremely popular monkey character, often given as an example of a successfully established brand cartoon design: Freddie the MailChimp mascot!
This friendly chimpanzee as a symbolism of playfulness conveys the feeling that MailChimp is easy and fun to use. His overall look, being dressed as a mailman, is not only super unique but it clearly speaks a lot of what the company does. Well done!
Mozilla Firefox
A world-wide known animal brand mascot: Fox, the Mozilla Firefox emblematic brand cartoon character. As the fox is usually related to strategy, quick thinking, and adaptability, here is what powerful message Mozilla conveys through their memorable orange brand hero: “Lively, swift, and agile, the Fox puts freedom in your hands.” Absolutely captivating!
Tripadvisor
Turns out, an owl is quite a popular choice of an animal brand mascot since it comes with a lot of deep meaning. TripAdvisor went for an owl as their brand hero for several reasons hidden within the design of itself.
The popular travel web platform took advantage of the most obvious connotation the owl conveys, i.e. wisdom, meaning this company is reliable and provides solid advice. Many of you may have noticed that they also designed this wise bird with binoculars, one being green and one being red, symbolizing the places travelers choose to visit, and the ones they don’t.
Turns out, an owl is quite a popular choice of an animal brand mascot since it comes with a lot of deep meaning. TripAdvisor went for an owl as their brand hero for several reasons hidden within the design of itself.
The popular travel web platform took advantage of the most obvious connotation the owl conveys, i.e. wisdom, meaning this company is reliable and provides solid advice. Many of you may have noticed that they also designed this wise bird with binoculars, one being green and one being red, symbolizing the places travelers choose to visit, and the ones they don’t.
Twitter
Probably the most recognizable animal brand animal character on the Internet: Twitter Bird!
Being transformed several times throughout the years, this super famous blue bird now appears in a flat style and modern clean shapes. According to the company, their choice of a flying bird cartoon design is more of a “representation of freedom, hope and limitless possibility” rather than the tweeting sound that birds usually make. Either way, they nailed it! This cute little birdy as a symbolism of freedom provokes an instant recognition of the company, regardless of whether the “Twitter” name is actually mentioned or not.
Probably the most recognizable animal brand animal character on the Internet: Twitter Bird!
Being transformed several times throughout the years, this super famous blue bird now appears in a flat style and modern clean shapes. According to the company, their choice of a flying bird cartoon design is more of a “representation of freedom, hope and limitless possibility” rather than the tweeting sound that birds usually make. Either way, they nailed it! This cute little birdy as a symbolism of freedom provokes an instant recognition of the company, regardless of whether the “Twitter” name is actually mentioned or not.
Kellogs
Tony the Tiger is the mascot for Frosted Flakes (also known as Frosties) breakfast cereal, appearing on its packaging and advertising. After the original Kellogg Company spun off its North American cereal business in late 2023, the mascot is owned by WK Kellogg Co in the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean markets and by Kellanova in the rest of the world.
Tony has also been the mascot for related cereals such as Tony's Cinnamon Krunchers and Tiger Power. Since Tony's debut in 1952, the character has spanned several generations and has become a breakfast cereal icon.
Tony the Tiger is the mascot for Frosted Flakes (also known as Frosties) breakfast cereal, appearing on its packaging and advertising. After the original Kellogg Company spun off its North American cereal business in late 2023, the mascot is owned by WK Kellogg Co in the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean markets and by Kellanova in the rest of the world.
Tony has also been the mascot for related cereals such as Tony's Cinnamon Krunchers and Tiger Power. Since Tony's debut in 1952, the character has spanned several generations and has become a breakfast cereal icon.
Energizer
He keeps going and going and going… Since 1989, the Energizer Bunny – with its pink fur, shades, and constant drum – has been taking over our TV screens. The creators of this indefatigable rabbit wanted to show how long their batteries last—and it seems they’ve succeeded.
What’s most interesting about the Energizer Bunny is not what he represents as a symbol for batteries. Popular culture now references things that keep moving constantly or demonstrate relentless determination, not only in commercials.
This little hare has achieved so much because of his actions' simplicity—no talking. He drums with such intensity that everything else surrounding him eventually grows weary. After these years, it remains one fantastic visual metaphor!
He keeps going and going and going… Since 1989, the Energizer Bunny – with its pink fur, shades, and constant drum – has been taking over our TV screens. The creators of this indefatigable rabbit wanted to show how long their batteries last—and it seems they’ve succeeded.
What’s most interesting about the Energizer Bunny is not what he represents as a symbol for batteries. Popular culture now references things that keep moving constantly or demonstrate relentless determination, not only in commercials.
This little hare has achieved so much because of his actions' simplicity—no talking. He drums with such intensity that everything else surrounding him eventually grows weary. After these years, it remains one fantastic visual metaphor!
Duracell
While its legal history is intriguing, the Duracell Bunny has been appearing in commercials since 1973. This pink and fuzzy mascot has come to represent long-lasting batteries.
The Duracell Bunny is so famous because of how simple it is. It keeps going where other battery-operated toys would stop, just like its Energizer counterpart; they don’t speak either. In essence, it visually demonstrates what the product does best.
It’s worth noting that while more recognised in North America than anywhere else globally, this only applies to half of the world – the rest recognise Duracell Bunnies better. This shows us that different regions may have varying levels of familiarity with mascots.
While its legal history is intriguing, the Duracell Bunny has been appearing in commercials since 1973. This pink and fuzzy mascot has come to represent long-lasting batteries.
The Duracell Bunny is so famous because of how simple it is. It keeps going where other battery-operated toys would stop, just like its Energizer counterpart; they don’t speak either. In essence, it visually demonstrates what the product does best.
It’s worth noting that while more recognised in North America than anywhere else globally, this only applies to half of the world – the rest recognise Duracell Bunnies better. This shows us that different regions may have varying levels of familiarity with mascots.
Cheetos
It’s hard to be cheesy, but that doesn’t stop Chester Cheetah. This cat is so cool; he was made the face of Cheetos in 1986 and has been adding some attitude to snacks ever since.
Chester represents everything great about the 90s: his sunglasses, swag, and catchy phrases. He’s not just any cheetah, though; he’s got character! This feline will do whatever it takes to get its paws on those Cheetos.
But what makes Chester unique is his mischievousness. Some mascots play it safe – not this guy! Chester goes above and beyond to satisfy his craving for Cheetos… and we love him even more. Younger people are especially drawn towards brands that break playful rules like these.
It’s hard to be cheesy, but that doesn’t stop Chester Cheetah. This cat is so cool; he was made the face of Cheetos in 1986 and has been adding some attitude to snacks ever since.
Chester represents everything great about the 90s: his sunglasses, swag, and catchy phrases. He’s not just any cheetah, though; he’s got character! This feline will do whatever it takes to get its paws on those Cheetos.
But what makes Chester unique is his mischievousness. Some mascots play it safe – not this guy! Chester goes above and beyond to satisfy his craving for Cheetos… and we love him even more. Younger people are especially drawn towards brands that break playful rules like these.
GEICO
In the insurance industry, a talking lizard may be the last thing you would expect to see. Since 1999, the GEICO Gecko has become a famous mascot in its sector.
What makes this Gecko endearing is that he is surprising. He may seem like a regular guy with a British accent, but he brings fun to the otherwise dull world of insurance. Many commercials joke about him being mistaken for a representative from GEICO, which creates funny situations.
The brilliance behind this reptile lies in how GEICO used him to humanise and demystify insurance. They discovered that to make their product appeal to people. They needed a friendly and relatable lizard to explain insurance details in their ads.
In the insurance industry, a talking lizard may be the last thing you would expect to see. Since 1999, the GEICO Gecko has become a famous mascot in its sector.
What makes this Gecko endearing is that he is surprising. He may seem like a regular guy with a British accent, but he brings fun to the otherwise dull world of insurance. Many commercials joke about him being mistaken for a representative from GEICO, which creates funny situations.
The brilliance behind this reptile lies in how GEICO used him to humanise and demystify insurance. They discovered that to make their product appeal to people. They needed a friendly and relatable lizard to explain insurance details in their ads.
M&MS
While not strictly animals we couldn't leave these cute characters out. Who could have guessed that anthropomorphic chocolates would ever serve as cultural symbols? Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange and Brown – the cast of M&M’s characters – brought life to the candy aisle in 1954.
The figures possess unique personalities. Red is sarcastic, Yellow is sweet but simple-minded, Blue is cool and smooth, Green is seductive, Orange is paranoid, and Brown is straightforward. This diversity enables the brand to attract various types of customers and develop different plot lines in its commercials.
Their ability to adapt to societal changes sets them apart from other mascots. They have addressed critical social issues, appeared in video games, and even run for president. It is this malleability that has maintained their relevance for almost seventy years.
While not strictly animals we couldn't leave these cute characters out. Who could have guessed that anthropomorphic chocolates would ever serve as cultural symbols? Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange and Brown – the cast of M&M’s characters – brought life to the candy aisle in 1954.
The figures possess unique personalities. Red is sarcastic, Yellow is sweet but simple-minded, Blue is cool and smooth, Green is seductive, Orange is paranoid, and Brown is straightforward. This diversity enables the brand to attract various types of customers and develop different plot lines in its commercials.
Their ability to adapt to societal changes sets them apart from other mascots. They have addressed critical social issues, appeared in video games, and even run for president. It is this malleability that has maintained their relevance for almost seventy years.
Playboy
The Playboy Bunny is more than just a mascot. It is now one of the most recognised logos in the world. The Playboy logo is a rabbit silhouette with a bow tie, and it has been used since 1953.
The Bunny's simplicity conceals a captivating charm. Rabbits represent fertility and playfulness, making them a good fit for the Playboy brand, known for using sex appeal to sell products.
Another exciting thing about Playboy Bunnies is that they leave their natural habitats. You can find these signs everywhere, such as on Japanese keychains, car air fresheners, jewellery, and greeting cards sold exclusively at Walgreens stores nationwide. And yet, somehow, everybody recognises what they’re looking at, even if no one has ever read the magazine!
This is by no means a definitive list and we’re sure you could add dozens more examples of memorable and appealing animal mascots. You can see how successful animals are at creating an emotional attachment to a brand, imbuing it with distinctive characteristics and allowing it to register deep in our memory banks ready to leap out and remind us of the product they represent.
The Playboy Bunny is more than just a mascot. It is now one of the most recognised logos in the world. The Playboy logo is a rabbit silhouette with a bow tie, and it has been used since 1953.
The Bunny's simplicity conceals a captivating charm. Rabbits represent fertility and playfulness, making them a good fit for the Playboy brand, known for using sex appeal to sell products.
Another exciting thing about Playboy Bunnies is that they leave their natural habitats. You can find these signs everywhere, such as on Japanese keychains, car air fresheners, jewellery, and greeting cards sold exclusively at Walgreens stores nationwide. And yet, somehow, everybody recognises what they’re looking at, even if no one has ever read the magazine!
This is by no means a definitive list and we’re sure you could add dozens more examples of memorable and appealing animal mascots. You can see how successful animals are at creating an emotional attachment to a brand, imbuing it with distinctive characteristics and allowing it to register deep in our memory banks ready to leap out and remind us of the product they represent.
