unfortunately there's no debate 'cause 1) the public in general doesn't actually takes linguistics seriously and 2) the fairy tale story of a animal closely related to human learning human language is more publicly acceptable than some species of animals are just better at perceiving and imitating human communication.
Yes, well, if you open with "fairy story" no, nobody's going to debate with you. Starting with insults does not invite engagement. Kind of like starting a discussion with a flat-earther with, "You self-deluded idiot...".