Mario had Yoshi; Donkey Kong had Rambi the Rhino. And Enguarde the Swordfish. And Squawks the Parrot. And many others over the course of the series.
Some animal helpers that didn’t make the final cut included a dolphin, an owl that would give players information, a fox that would reveal secrets, snakes that could be used as vines, a giraffe whose long neck would help the Kongs reach high areas, and a flying pig.
