I think you would have to bring into consideration in an honest sense whether or not your love for animals is strictly erotic or a combination of both attraction and sincere love. The simple route to discover your emotions is to ask yourself questions -- e.g. What do you think about throughout the day? is your companion always on your mind? Do you dream of a day where you have land of your own and a home to stay with your partner? Do you feel that 'butterfly' feeling when you are around particular animals?
If you have a hard time answering these questions then I would suggest it is probably either that you have not had any animal companionship yet, so you would not know -- or it is in fact only erotic for you. In any case, I would leave fantasy in your mind because you would be doing a terrible disservice to both you and your companion if it was only about 'I can't wait to have sex with them again' I mean, this thought probably exists with all zoos xD but I think there is a significant difference of quality, wherein you are always there for them, care for their every need, go on walks, play with each other, etc. The same is true with a Human, you care for their needs, laugh, and have fun with each other. and of course everything that follows along with that; the bad moments, the happy moments, the sad moments, and the sexy moments.
As for the 'Anyone got to experience it for real' part of your question, Yes, I have experience it for real xD. And the feelings I have afterward are always the same even after being 'clear-headed' to put it unexplicitly
If you have any other questions I would be glad to talk about them