Re: If you were given a choice...
I would also choose animals because I want to know how they feel about things.
They may be happy on a zoo with somewhere safe to live & a good supply of food but, if not, we could then explain why we thought is was good for them.
My stray cat Mr Grey knows how to get out through the cat flap but not how to get in, so I have to leave it propped open so he can get shelter at night, when it is so cold. I could teach him if he understood what I was saying
I can understand a little German & French, but have had cats for more than 40 years yet how can I understand what they want when they meow, or if they are suffering?
I could also ask dogs if it is Ok to stroke them, instead of asking their owner!