[snarks_when_bored]

My view is that there are no uniquely privileged entities.

Then you've never met me.

I have opposable thumbs, weapons, written language, speech, fire, tools and medicine. All of that makes me uniquely privileged on this planet, anyhow....

Your view is nonsense in light of the arms race that is nature.

I'm fairly certain you understood the point I was making. It's quite similar to Jesus's point when he said, "Whatsoever you do unto the least of my brethren, you do unto me." It's to be hoped that having the power to lay waste to the planet doesn't compel us to actually do it.

[Cogadh na Sith]

It's an animal--it's not an 'us'.

Besides, your point is self-contradictory: "As humans, we are so very special that we must realize that we are no more special than anything else."

If you like it, take care of it. If you really like those things, buy some habitat and leave it unchanged. Just don't pester everyone else.

The people aren't clearing the jungles 'cuz they hate big monkeys, they're clearing it because they want food and medicine.

You are going to have a hard time convincing humans that the idea of big ol' monkeys living 'born free' is better than food, electricity and medicine.