In our physical state, we are animals. But man has a spiritual dimension within his constitution that no other creature on earth has - he was created in the image of God.
Ever since history began, man has worshipped the transcendent; he has the ability to perceive past the physical and material realm, and acts accordingly - his battles on earth are not solely about survival as is the case for all other non humans.
Man is described as altruistic, greedy, selfish, compassionate, vain, arrogant, merciful, generous, bigoted, wicked, or righteous - can this be said about any other creature on this planet?