In a recent interview on Nintendo's official site, developers Takashi Tezuka and Shigefumi Hino reflected on their time working on Super Mario World and the creation of Yoshi. ...

What does Mario do to Yoshi?

According to Hino also, the reasoning behind the design is that when Mario punches Yoshi, Yoshi is so surprised that his tongue leaps out. Yoshi proved to be popular in this debut, which caused the next game in the series, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, to focus on the Yoshi species.

Is Mario an animal abuser?

Mario Has Been Known To Abuse Animals

They mistreated him, forcing him to perform tricks such as balancing on barrels, juggling and dancing through fire. In retaliation, DK escapes and kidnaps Mario's girlfriend, forcing him to embrace danger and come to her rescue.