One Piece: Top 5 Animal-Themed Pirates in the Series

Throughout the world of *One Piece*, animals and their distinct traits are notably featured, particularly among the various pirate crews. The narrative includes a plethora of animal-like characters, such as Zoan Devil Fruit users, minks, and fish-men, but occasionally, a pirate may simply be an actual animal.

Though animals are generally deemed less intelligent compared to many other species, they possess unique attributes that often enhance their appeal, including impressive physical strength, loyalty, and distinctive abilities that humans might not possess. Typically, these creatures form a strong bond with one specific human within the crew, although this is not always consistent. While they may often be referred to as “pets,”their roles can sometimes be quite substantial within the crew dynamic.

5 Monster

Musician of the Red-Haired Pirates

Monster, the monkey with a topknot, part of the Red-Haired Pirates

First Appearance: Chapter 1 (Manga), Episode 489 (Anime)
Species: Monkey
Devil Fruit: None

Monster, a monkey known for his distinctive topknot, is a long-standing member of the Red-Haired Pirates. Often spotted alongside Bonk Punch, he engages in combat beside him as well. This monkey demonstrates a level of intelligence that is exceptional for his kind, displaying an understanding of human behavior. His involvement in battles has been minimal, primarily due to the limited screen time allocated to his crew thus far.

Given the esteemed status of his crew, it is assumed that he possesses some formidable capabilities. His longstanding presence within the crew contributes to this perception. As the Red-Haired Pirates gain more prominence in the story, it is anticipated that Monster’s abilities will be explored in greater detail. Interestingly, he isn’t the only monkey pirate—Doma, a former subordinate of Whitebeard, is often depicted with a monkey aiding him in combat.

4 Richie

Cross Guild Member and Former Captain of the Buggy Pirates

First Appearance: Chapter 9 (Manga), Episode 6 (Anime)
Species: Lion
Devil Fruit: None

Richie is the loyal lion companion of Mohji, having been part of every iteration of the Buggy Pirates alongside his master. Mohji’s proficiency as an animal tamer directly connects his value to the crew with his bond with Richie. During the Orange Town arc, Mohji was among the pirates whom Luffy’s crew confronted to safeguard the town; following Luffy defeating Richie, Mohji hesitated to face the pirate directly out of fear.

After Buggy’s defeat and short-lived absence, Richie ascends to captaincy, surpassing Mohji and Cabaji, who were also considered candidates. However, under Richie’s command, the crew fell into the clutches of the cannibalistic Kumate tribe, until Buggy and Alvida intervened to rescue them. As the story progresses, Richie has shifted from being portrayed as a fierce beast to a more comical and endearing character.

3 Stronger

Doc Q’s Trusty Steed

First Appearance: Chapter 223 (Manga), Episode 146 (Anime)
Species: Horse
Devil Fruit: Uma Uma no Mi, Model: Pegasus

Stronger is a horse associated with the Blackbeard Pirates, consistently seen alongside Doc Q, their pirate doctor and one of the Ten Titanic Captains. Serving as a sort of service animal, he carries his owner, who struggles with health issues. Paradoxically, Stronger himself does not appear to be in peak condition, yet he remains relatively strong and durable.

Having been part of the crew since its early days when it consisted of just five members, Stronger possesses a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit that grants him the ability to shift into a pegasus. While his base form is that of a horse, this power primarily enables him to fly. The specifics regarding how he acquired this ability remain unclear, but given the notorious reputation of the Blackbeard crew, it is likely that they obtained it through violent means.

2 The lighthouse

Steed of Cavendish

Farul enjoying tea while Cavendish reminisces

First Appearance: Chapter 772 (Manga), Episode 634 (Anime)
Species: Horse
Devil Fruit: None

Farul is the beloved horse of Cavendish, the captain of the Beautiful Pirates, a crew affiliated with the Straw Hat Grand Fleet. This horse has been a steadfast companion to Cavendish since his childhood, as depicted by Oda, showcasing their bond in Cavendish’s early years. Although seemingly a mere pet at first glance, Farul proves to be a remarkably strong horse.

In a notable instance, he endured a severe head injury from a cracker doll yet remained unconscious instead of succumbing. Like his captain, Farul exhibits some refined habits, such as sipping tea with his hooves, demonstrating an amusing degree of sophistication for a horse.

1 Tony Tony Chopper

The Straw Hat Pirates’ Doctor

First Appearance: Chapter 134 (Manga), Episode 81 (Anime)
Species: Reindeer
Devil Fruit: Hito Hito no Mi

Considered the most invaluable animal in any pirate crew, Tony Tony Chopper served as a doctor on Drum Island, having honed his medical expertise under Kureha’s tutelage. The Hito Hito no Mi transformed him, granting human-like intellect, which led him to abandon his original clan due to feeling like an outsider because of his blue nose. Eventually, he joined the Straw Hat Pirates when they visited his island.

Chopper does not require a constant human companion as many animal pirates do, yet he maintains excellent relationships with his crewmates. Besides his medical skills, Chopper is also engaged in battle, utilizing his Devil Fruit abilities to develop various forms that enhance his combat prowess. His most recognized form, known as “brain point,”allows him to strategize effectively, leading many to mistakenly categorize him as a mere “pet”when he is anything but.

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