Usage patterns
〈場所〉に生き物がいるthere are living creatures in/at a place
There are rare creatures in this forest.
生き物を飼うto keep/raise a creature
I've been keeping various creatures at home since I was little.
生き物を大切にするto treat living things with care
I was taught from childhood to treat living things with care.
生き物として〈動詞〉as a living being, to (do something)
Humans, too, are part of nature as living beings.