With all that we are learning about elephant intelligence and their social and emotional lives, are we finally rethinking and reshaping our relationship to these amazing animals?

Illinois just became the first state in the US to ban the use of elephants in circuses and other traveling exhibitions, and cities across the globe are also banning elephant performances, elephant rides, and other archaic forms of exploitation. Sadly, on the other hand, some cities in China are buying kidnapped young African elephants who will be brutally trained for Chinese circuses, zoos and safari parks.

In some ways, elephant welfare has never been better, and yet, in other ways, the exploitation is worse than we ever imagined. A new article from the Guardian looks at some of the worst abuses, and some of the best solutions -and possibilities, for elephants.