Animals are discharged humans

“In the beginning of Atlantis, the human shape was ape-like. This body then has evolved. But the ape-like figures partly fell into decadence, and became todays monkeys. Monkeys are therefore biological brothers of man.

So that all animals that live around us are degenerated, discharged humans.” (Rudolf Steiner)

Source: Rudolf Steiner, "Vierzehnter Vortrag”, Paris, June 10th, 1906, GA94