My understanding is that every living thing has a soul or is part of a soul group. I also believe in evolution - both the physical kind, that our bodies evolved from other creatures (apes etc) and our bodies are continuing to evolve and adapt - and the spiritual kind of evolving as we progress and learn.

Man has the ability to decide whether or not to do caring things, which I don't think animals can.

I would disagree with this comment. I see animals caring for one another and showing care to humans - even protecting humans. Is this just instinct? If so then how come it can change depending on what mood the animals are in? Animals can have mood swings as humans do also (with the menagerie we have - I can tell you that it is noticeable  )