I love this article. I worked at a hand off , no riding no touching sanctuary in Thailand. I had no idea what baby elephants went through until they told me. It is awful. I have never rode one and will only visit places that treat them humanely, no touching, no riding.. touching is also harmful to them!

And yea the hooks they always have them, just where tourists cant see them.

Elephants are one of the most gentle and sweet creatures, and very curious. I have a picture of me on one of my posts where the elephant walked up to me, to inspect me.. i just stood there as she sniffed me and walked away. It was so magical.