[Photo/The New York Times]

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND, JAN. 6, 2011

This is a picture of me taken by my husband, Thomas, at an elephant sanctuary where individuals ride bareback, wash and feed the elephants. This is a sanctuary where elephants are being rescued from harsh abuse and to preserve them. Iwould never have guessed how sensitive elephants can be. Mammals are simple creatures, especially the ones that have not acquired lan- guage; people should listen to them more, then maybe the world could be a better place.