15 Characters Who Can Talk To Animals

From the depths of the ocean with Aquaman to the lush jungles of Africa with Tarzan, stories and comics have often endowed certain characters with the magical ability to communicate with animals. This fascinating skill captivates our imaginations, bridging the gap between human and animal kingdoms, and allowing us a glimpse into the rich emotional lives of our fellow earth inhabitants. These characters, often superheroes or mystical beings, utilize their powers to foster understanding, solve mysteries, and even fight crime. Today we will dive into the worlds of wildness through our list of 15 Characters Who Can Talk To Animals.

Doctor Dolittle

Doctor Dolittle, standing first on our list, is arguably the most iconic character endowed with the ability to communicate with animals. A veterinarian and naturalist, he speaks and comprehends all animal languages, positioning him as a proverbial shepherd to his non-human counterparts. His adventures, spanning from Hugh Lofting’s storybooks to the big screen portrayals by Rex Harrison, Eddie Murphy, and even Robert Downey Jr., consistently reflect his unbiased and benevolent treatment of animals.

As one of the first characters to possess this magical skill, Doctor Dolittle not only set the standard for interspecies communication but also carved out a niche for fantastic storytelling. His adventures, rich with imaginative language, have taken generations of children on wondrous journeys, exploring the depths of jungles and the expansiveness of the high seas, all while meeting an array of fascinating animals, each with their own unique stories and languages.

Doctor Dolittle is more than just a character; he is a symbol of empathy, curiosity, and the infinite possibilities that arise from embracing the diverse tapestry of life on our planet.

Aquaman

Next is Aquaman, the mighty ruler of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, earns the second spot on our list for his remarkable ability to communicate with marine life. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, Aquaman first appeared in More Fun Comics in 1941 and quickly became one of DC Comics’ most iconic characters.

His telepathic abilities allow him to connect with aquatic creatures, commanding their assistance and gaining insights from the vastness of the ocean’s depths. This unique communication skill enhances his superhero prowess, making him an integral member of the Justice League.

On screen, Jason Momoa brought Aquaman to life, adding a modern and dynamic touch to the character. From comic books to blockbuster films, Aquaman has not only provided an intriguing take on interspecies communication but also captivated audiences with stories that intertwine the mysteries of the underwater world with the challenges faced on land. His character embodies the connection between humans and the environment, reminding us of the importance of preserving the delicate balance between land and sea.

Tarzan

Created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan is an iconic character, known for his unique ability to communicate with the animals of the jungle. Raised by a family of apes after being orphaned in the African jungle, Tarzan developed the capacity to converse with various jungle species, understanding their languages and vocalizations. This extraordinary skill allowed him to bond with and seek the assistance of jungle creatures, from elephants and lions to birds and smaller mammals, making him the true king of the jungle.

Over the years, Tarzan has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and other media, with actors such as Johnny Weissmuller and Alexander Skarsgård bringing the character to life on the big screen. These adaptations have showcased Tarzan’s deep connection with nature and animals, highlighting the character’s significance as a symbol of unity between humans and the animal kingdom.

Ace Ventura

This eccentric pet detective portrayed by Jim Carrey, holds a special place in the realm of characters who can communicate with animals, landing him the fourth spot on our list. Unlike other characters featured here, Ace doesn’t possess any supernatural abilities or superpowers; instead, his communication with animals is rooted in a deep understanding and empathy for them.

Ace’s quirky and comedic approach to solving cases involving animals, as showcased in the films “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” and “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls,” highlights his unique method of interacting with animals to gather clues and solve mysteries.

The character’s hilarious antics and genuine love for animals have left an indelible mark on popular culture, making Ace Ventura a beloved figure among both children and adults. His character brings humor and light-heartedness to the subject of interspecies communication, showing that connecting with animals can be both fun and rewarding.

Eliza Thornberry

Thornberry, the adventurous protagonist of the animated television series “The Wild Thornberrys,” claims the fifth spot on our list. With a gift bestowed upon her by a shaman, Eliza has the unique ability to speak with animals, a skill she uses to understand and help them. This special talent is central to the narrative of the show, as Eliza and her family travel the world documenting wildlife.

Eliza’s character is a testament to the curiosity and empathy that can arise from communicating with animals. Her interactions with wildlife are educational and foster a sense of respect and appreciation for the animal kingdom. The ability to talk with animals also allows Eliza to bridge the gap between humans and nature, creating a harmonious relationship that is often lost in the modern world.

Through her adventures, Eliza Thornberry shows the value of preserving wildlife and understanding the intricacies of the animal world. Her character is not just a source of entertainment, but also a source of inspiration, encouraging viewers to embrace the natural world and strive to protect it.

Mowgli

Raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, Mowgli forms deep bonds with various animals including Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, and Kaa the python. These relationships are built on mutual respect and communication, demonstrating Mowgli’s ability to understand and interact with the animal world around him.

The character of Mowgli serves as a bridge between the human and animal realms. His journey is not just about survival; it is also about finding one’s place in the world and embracing the diversity of life. Mowgli’s story has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and other media, bringing his message to a global audience. His interactions with the animals of the jungle highlight the importance of harmony between humans and nature, a theme that is especially relevant in today’s environmentally-conscious society.

Ant-man and Wasp

Marvel’s size-shifting superheroes, land the seventh spot on our list. Unlike other characters who communicate with animals through speech or telepathy, their interaction with animals is facilitated through technology and their ability to shrink down to the size of insects. This unique perspective allows them to engage with the tiniest creatures on a more personal level, opening up a world that is often overlooked.

Ant-Man, originally Dr. Hank Pym and later Scott Lang, has the remarkable ability to control and communicate with ants, using them to gather information, travel, and even fight adversaries. The Wasp, initially Janet van Dyne and later Hope Pym, shares these abilities to some extent. The duo’s small size enables them to interact closely with insects, understanding their behaviors and utilizing them to achieve their goals. The characters of Ant-Man and the Wasp bring a fresh and innovative approach to animal communication.

Squirrel Girl

Her popularity recently surged when actress Anna Kendrick expressed her interest in portraying the character, a sentiment that was met with widespread enthusiasm from comic book fans.

Doreen Green is a college student with part-squirrel genetics, granting her enhanced strength, agility, and senses. She is equipped with retractable knuckle spikes, sharp claws, and strong teeth. Though she is frequently accompanied by her loyal squirrel sidekick, Tippy Toe, she can communicate with any squirrel and often summons multiple squirrels to form an army, overwhelming her opponents with sheer numbers.

In addition to her physical attributes, Squirrel Girl’s primary power lies in her ability to communicate with and control squirrels. She has the unique ability to speak “squirrel” and understand it in return. While this may include an element of telepathy that enables her to call upon squirrels when needed, her power is distinct in that it relies on verbal communication with the animals.

Animal Man

Buddy Baker (Animal Man), is a lesser-known but incredibly powerful hero from DC Comics. His life took a drastic turn when he was killed on a hunting trip and subsequently brought back to life by alien beings. This supernatural encounter granted him a unique connection to ‘The Red,’ also known as the Morphogenic Field.

The Red is a cosmic force that encompasses the entire planet, encapsulating all genetic, mystical, and physical information of every animal species on Earth. This connection allows Buddy to tap into any animal aspect, ranging from the smallest bacteria to the largest beasts and even mythical chimera. He has the power to understand animals on an intuitive level, control them to do his bidding, and take on multiple animal attributes at any given time. Additionally, Buddy has the ability to shape-shift into animals while also possessing the option to take on their abilities while remaining in his human form.

A significant development occurred in the New 52, where Buddy discovered he could communicate directly with animals. This newfound power allows him to have verbal conversations with animals rather than simply understanding or forming empathetic connections with them. This revelation often comes as a surprise to both Buddy and the animals he communicates with, adding an intriguing dynamic to his character.

Beast Boy

His powers are a result of a life-saving experimental treatment he received as a child, when he was struck by a deadly virus while in Africa with his scientist parents. The cure turned his skin green and granted him the extraordinary ability to morph into any animal, including insects and germs.

As an animal, Beast Boy retains the ability to communicate with humans, but he also gains a minor power to communicate with other animals of the same species. This communication is not verbal but is more of an understanding and ability to convey broad ideas in a manner similar to a natural-born member of the species.

Vixen

With her mystical Tantu Totem, a relic tied to the African trickster god Anansi, Vixen gains the power to harness the abilities of any animal, usually ones native to Africa where she was born. This power is not limited to physical abilities; it also encompasses communication and control over animals.

Recently, Vixen has made her live-action debut in the Arrowverse, portrayed by actress Megalyn Echikunwoke in “Arrow,” with future appearances planned. In these portrayals, viewers are given a glimpse of Vixen’s unique connection with the animal kingdom, where she deftly combines her animal powers with her fighting skills to take on adversaries.

While Vixen’s primary power revolves around embodying the abilities of animals rather than direct communication, she does possess some capacity to control other animals by tapping into “The Red,” the same Morphogenic field utilized by Animal Man.

Moonstar

Her main power is the ability to create illusions based on a person’s deepest fears or desires. This power initially caused her great distress when she was unable to control it, but with time, she honed her skills, developing new abilities such as creating ‘psychic arrows’ to incapacitate her targets.

Moonstar’s animal telepathy is an extension of her psychic abilities. While she cannot consciously peer into human minds, she can form a telepathic connection with animals. This connection allows her to see through the eyes of an animal and communicate with them on an emotional level, creating a unique and empathetic form of animal communication.

This power is strongly tied to emotions, and although she cannot “talk” to animals in the traditional sense, she can sense and understand their feelings, creating a profound bond between her and the animal kingdom.

Chat

She made a brief appearance in the main universe without revealing any powers. Chat’s power creates a Snow White-like aura around her, attracting animals that love to be in her presence, often resulting in birds perching on her shoulder or creatures gathering at her feet. Embracing her abilities, she worked with a traveling zoo and an animal shelter, using her animal friends to assist her superhero boyfriend, Spider-Man. She often employs the help of dogs and other animals to trap or distract criminals Spider-Man is chasing.

Although it’s less common, Chat has also used her animal friends to attack others, showcasing that she can be a formidable opponent when needed. Additionally, as a detective, Chat utilizes her animal friends to investigate and spy on others, with stray cats and other animals serving as her unnoticed eyes and ears in various situations.

Koi Boy and Chipmunk Hunk

Both are university students at Empire State University, alongside Doreen Green, also known as Squirrel Girl. While Chipmunk Hunk possesses the power to communicate with chipmunks. This ability, combined with his superhuman strength and increased agility, allows him to call upon large numbers of chipmunks from a distance, similar to the way Squirrel Girl interacts with squirrels.

And Koi Boy on the other hand has a more extensive range of powers. He can communicate with various species of fish, not just a single type. In addition to his fishy communicative abilities, Koi Boy can also increase his size (though he is limited by the space he is in), swim at super-speed, and breathe underwater.

Although Koi Boy and Chipmunk Hunk are relatively new characters in the Marvel Universe, their unique abilities and the humorous touch of their rhyming superhero names make them exciting additions to the world of animal-communicating characters.

Nature Girl

She is a mutant with the extraordinary ability to communicate and bond with animals, which extends to her physical appearance in the form of antlers. As a relatively new student at the Jean Grey Institute, the full extent of her powers remains to be fully explored.

Unlike Chat, Nature Girl’s powers are broader and more encompassing. She can not only communicate with and command animals, but also entities that are feral or animalistic, such as demons. This includes the ability to calm and control them, preventing attacks on others. Additionally, Nature Girl possesses the power of botanopathy, allowing her to communicate with plant life, which can be incredibly useful for tracking and spying purposes.

Also Read: 5 Times When DC Superheroes Turned Into Animals