I think we do know the basics.... The basics don't seem that complicated, actually. They eat, breathe, poop, etc., like every other living being.
All living things deserve respect; why would these beings -- whether you want to call them animals or people -- be any different?
P.S. But I agree, it's difficult to establish a movement to honor a being most of us think doesn't exist. So maybe it's more important that those of us who DO 'think' they exist try to remember that respect is a good thing to have.