Animal Friends

When Kirby is off to save the day, sometimes he needs a little help getting the job done. To assist him are his Animal Friends. Riding on, under, or in them, they allow him to get to places he sometimes cannot reach. Plus, they change his Copy Abilities for the better, or maybe worse.

Kirby's Dream Land 2
The Animal Friends were first introduced in Kirby's Dream Land 2 with Rick, Kine, and Coo. Upon defeating a Mini-Boss, a sack containing one of the three animals opens, allowing Kirby to pair up with the pet.

Kirby's Star Stacker
The next appearance of the Animal Friends was in Kirby's Star Stacker. The images of Rick, Kine, and Coo appear on blocks that, when like images were lined up, would react all non-pet blocks in between.

Kirby's Dream Land 3
The original Animal Friends reappeared in a non-puzzle game with newcomers Nago, Chuchu, and Pitch in Kirby's Dream Land 3. Just as before, Kirby can couple with them to enhance his Copy Abilities, help him travel through the stage, or to unlock certain secrets to access Heart Stars.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
The Animal friends all made cameos in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards as statues when using the Stone and Cutter ability combination.

Kirby: Right Back At Ya!
Only half the animal friends make an appearance in the series- Rick, Coo, and Kine. (And Nago is seen in early design art.) They live in Whispy Wood's Forest near the village and only appear in a small number of episodes. They don't seem to have any close relationship with Kirby, but they do tend to get along and will help him out when he needs it. Kirby never travels with them and the ability combining is absent.