The next time you see an animal performing a trick, or giving a ride, performing in a film, or employed by humans for work purposes, you might want to consider what exactly went into the training of the animal.

While training does not necessarily entail abuse, performance is an unnatural act for human pleasure, not for the animal's. The animals may not comprehend what they are doing, or cannot fully communicate how they feel about the situation.

I've always been uncomfortable seeing animals perform in films or TV shows, particularly when they are scared into reactions. We can understand that it's make-believe, animals may not be able to make that distinction.

In Thailand, there is a nature park that has become devoted to rescuing and saving elephants from abusive situations. Many of the elephants have been hurt or maimed by human owners.

It's inspiring to hear that this park is saving these elephants. But it remains only one park, and undoubtedly there are numerous elephants (and other animals) they are unable to save, or that no one knows about.