There is a book out I recommend on this topic by Dr. Paul Thigpen, called "Extraterrestrial Intelligence and the Catholic Faith: Are We Alone in the Universe with God and the Angels?"
In short, though, Christ's sacrifice to redeem humanity does not preclude, or prevent other plans for other species.
Some say the government is keeping aliens evidence from the world because it would shatter people's religious faith. If that is true, they are very, very wrong. Thigpen is convinced aliens have visited, but remains open to the possibility he's wrong. Most of the book is spent covering the theology of the matter.
1 hour interview with book author: https://cm.patmoshosting.com/videos/dist/micd-2022-07-31.mp4
3 hour interview with book author: https://pintswithaquinas.libsyn.com/aliens-ufos-and-the-catholic-church-w-dr-paul-thigpen
Meanwhile....AN'IMAL, noun [Latin anima, air, breath, soul.] - "an organized body, endowed with life and the power of voluntary motion; a living, sensitive, locomotive body".
On the other hand...HU'MAN, adjective [Latin humanus; Heb. form, species.] What does form imply? Formed (life) within flow (inception towards death), hence ANIMATED.
What if the few suggest humans vs animals to distract the many from comprehending to be animal (animated) human (form)?