[3.5] Druid/Ranger "animal companion" question

[RigaMortus]

From the WotC site:

If a druid releases her companion from service, she may gain a new one by performing a ceremony requiring 24 uninterrupted hours of prayer. This ceremony can also replace an animal companion that has perished.

and from the SRD (al beit, this is still 3.0)

Animal Friendship
Enchantment (Charm) [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Drd 1, Rgr 1
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One animal
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

The character wins the loyalty of an animal. The spell functions only if the character actually wishes to be the animal's friend. If the character is not willing to treat the animal as a the spell fails. An animal's loyalty is natural (not magical) and lasting.
The character can teach the befriended animal three specific tricks or tasks for each point of Intelligence it possesses. They cannot be complex (complex tricks require the Handle Animal skill).
At most, the character can have animal friends whose Hit Dice total no more than twice the character’s caster level (though the demands of adventuring generally restrict a character to half that number).
The character may dismiss animal friends to enable the character to befriend new ones.

1) Is this SPELL still on the 3.5 Druid/Ranger's spell list or has it been removed and swaped for the ability?

2) If it is still on their spell list, why not just cast this spell instead of performing the 24 hour ritual?

3) Do you get the same benefits with the spell as you do with the animal companion ability? Meaning, does the animal continue to "grow" and get better HD, Str/Dex, etc. as per the new chart in the 3.5 PHB?

4) In reference to the 3.5 Animal Companion ability of the Druid/Ranger. If an animal companion dies, or you release it, and then get a new one (via the 24 hour ritual), does the new animal companion start as a higher level one or do you have to build him up again from scratch?

 

[gariig]

1) Is this SPELL still on the 3.5 Druid/Ranger's spell list or has it been removed and swaped for the ability?

I think that is the case here. It was really more an ability then a spell anyway.

2) If it is still on their spell list, why not just cast this spell instead of performing the 24 hour ritual?

See above.

3) Do you get the same benefits with the spell as you do with the animal companion ability? Meaning, does the animal continue to "grow" and get better HD, Str/Dex, etc. as per the new chart in the 3.5 PHB?

That is a good question. Do you just magically find the kick arse leopard that has evasion, 4 extra HD, and empathic link(assuming you are high enough). I think this will have to wait until the books are in our hands or someone can leak this info.

4) In reference to the 3.5 Animal Companion ability of the Druid/Ranger. If an animal companion dies, or you release it, and then get a new one (via the 24 hour ritual), does the new animal companion start as a higher level one or do you have to build him up again from scratch?

See above.

Gariig

 

[RigaMortus]

5) What becomes of the Ring of Animal Friendship? Will this fuction like the ability or the spell?