For most animals, you can choose the gender, eye color, etc. However, some features that can be changed aren't available, as certain things must be done. This includes the “Mutation” subset of ordinary stats. For example, choosing red or purple as an eye color is impossible unless you unlock that specific mutation. When you begin, stats appear, including health, age, strength, sleep, etc. Viewing certain stats such as luck must be unlocked first (Yes, several things need to be unlocked). For most animals, you don't start right when you are born. This means that sometimes, you can die as soon as you start just by pure chance. However, if you do not die immediately, you will start right where you remember memories.