The concept of animal girls, or more broadly, furry characters, has its roots in ancient mythologies and folklore, where humans and animals were often depicted together, sometimes in romantic or familial contexts. However, the modern interpretation of animal girls as we know it today began to take shape in the 20th century, particularly within Japanese manga and anime. Series like Kemono Friends and Himitsu no Akko-chan introduced audiences to characters that were human-animal hybrids, showcasing their daily lives, adventures, and relationships.