I doubt very much that we are the only inteligent life in the universe, but doubt very much there is any other in our galaxy. Even though I believe our evolution was an extremely low probability event, I think the universe is too large for it not to have been repeated. I doubt the odds are < 0.001 per galaxy given that we exist.

I believe bird and mamal level intelligence will be common given enough time where multicellular life evolves, but we are a strange combination of tree-evolved hands with ground dwelling feet and that was a critical launching pad for tool using and intelligence. Being a social animal with a significant lifespan to learn during is also critical. The Octopus is highly intelligent and dextrous and has much potential to evolve into a tool user in my view, but they don't raise or teach there young and lead very brief lives. They or similar creatures have existed for hundreds of millions of years without making any progress towards soemthing like us.

Regards,
Mark