"The most official statement of the Church, outside of the accepted books of scripture, concerning animals was a statement during the administration of Joseph F. Smith over the signatures of the First Presidency. The Presidency in the official declaration stated that God 'made the tadpole and the ape, the lion and the elephant; but He did not make them in His image, nor endow them with Godlike reason and intelligence. Nevertheless, the whole animal creation will be perfected and perpetuated in the Hereafter, each class in its 'distinct order or sphere,' and will enjoy 'eternal felicity.' That fact has been made plain in this dispensation (Doctrine and Covenants 77:3).'"