Our Pets: Future Shock?

Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species in 1859 and the world was in shock.  Today most of us have accepted the fact that most living organisms adapt and /or evolve in order increase the chances their species will survive.  After reading the story about Ambam the upright walking Silverback Gorilla this week, it occurred to me that there is one question most of us do not consider.  The question seemed obvious to me but the answer is anything but obvious.  Will animals continue to evolve, eventually to become more than the pets or zoo animals they are today?

Ambam the gorilla is a resident of the Port Lympne Animal Park in Kent, England.  Ambam was raised by humans much of his childhood and may be copying his human caregivers.  But his sister has also been known to stand up straight so it may be a genetic factor since they were raised separately. Is it possible that these traits are one of the many traits that could be changing in the gorilla populations?

Dogs have long been known to be the great genetic achievements the human race has created.  The number of seperate breeds of dogs has exploded since the 1800's.  Many breeds are so intelligent some owners think their pets understand their emotions.  Scientific research is actually showing that it is true in most cases.  Our pets communicate with us and in some ways manipulate us to get their needs fulfilled.

Dolphins have long been known to be some of the most intelligent mammals, next to humans, on the planet.  Perhaps one day they will communicate with humans.  Maybe one day we may see these animals as more than curious oddities to study, but more as individuals with needs and thoughts.  Where will it end?  Will it end?  Could animal intelligence and emotion become human-like?  

The questions outnumber the answers in this subject but the truth lies somewhere in-between the lines.  Can the human race accept animal intelligence?  Will humans manipulate and use this intelligence?  Or will we foster it and gain insight into life itself?  Most people have a love for animals already, whether it be their pets, animals in zoos, or wild animals.  But will we share our dominion with them?