Forest Animals (Sleeping Beauty)

The Forest Animals are minor characters in Disney's 1959 film Sleeping Beauty. The only human character who seems able to speak to them is Aurora, whom they make it their priority to protect and help throughout the film. Deer, chipmunks, birds, rabbits and squirrels inhabit the forest. The animals are primary used to justify many of Aurora's lines; rather than talking to herself, she is addressing her animal friends. Like Snow White, Cinderella and, to a certain extent, Belle and Jasmine, Aurora is deprived of contact with the outside world and finds friendship in the animals around her due to living in the forest for most of her life.

Sleeping Beauty
They are first seen when Aurora goes to pick some berries. As she sings "I Wonder," a few of her friends join her as she daydreams. She expresses her deep sorrow that she has yet to meet anyone beyond the forest. She tells the animals of her constant dreams of meeting a prince, and they appear excited and happy for her. As she is distracted, a few of the animals, including the owl, a squirrel, a cardinal, a bluebird and two rabbits (this group seemingly being her close friends), sneak off where they take Prince Phillip's cape, boots and hat. The animals close themselves and pose as a prince to encourage Aurora to pursue her dreams. As she dances with the animals, Phillip follows them where the animals watch intently as the two dance off together.

Disney Princess Enchanted Tales: Follow Your Dreams
Two of Aurora's friends, the cardinal and the bluebird, come visit her at the castle as the kings, the queen, and Phillip leave. They chirp and Aurora is undoubtedly able to understand them, commenting back.

Trivia

 * The Owl made a small cameo appearance in the 1960 Disney animated short film, Goliath II.