Is man part of the animal kingdom?

Perhaps the Shaykh meant that humans are part of the animal kingdom because they possess life and growth, like all living bodies. Logically, humans have been defined as "the rational animal" to distinguish them from others, and from this perspective, they fall under the category of animals. However, humans possess unique characteristics; Allah has honored them and favored them above many of His creations, forming them in the best of molds. Therefore, it is not permissible to call a human an "animal" with the intent to insult.