A multitude of reasons. The local wildlife could be indicative of where exactly we are, in the event that this place is not as we have been told it was. Knowing what wildlife surrounds us would also be beneficial considering the 'quests' that we are supposed to carry out, unless you would prefer to walk straight into a wolf's den or disturb a sleeping bear.

[Gundham's tone is slightly judgmental as well. After all, there's nothing more pressing than making animal friends.]