If consciousness exists on a gradient, why do we find ourselves conscious as a human. Why arent I (not the I formulated by my brain) not experiencing life in a monkey, or a dolphin.

Without invoking some reincarnation woo I cant fathom an explanation, it seems so impossible with all the creatures that exist in our world, to be born a human.

I've read about object essentialism but im not sure if thats philosophy woo or not (brainlet).