6:38: There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.
49:13: O mankind! We created you...and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).
this is my guiding principle with primatology/biology tbh. the sheer multiplicity of experience within the animal kingdom is insight into the infinitude and genius of allah while we should strive to show our most loving and worthy selves to animals so they can experience godhead through us. animals know secret sacred things, but we have divinity to offer in return, if only we decided to do so
i watched a documentary the other day and this sanctuary volunteer was singing a baby orangutan to sleep and i cried and this is why