Horrifying footage has been uncovered, showing an emaciated elephant being forced to dance as onlooking tourists cackle in the background.
The heartbreaking clip shows the skeletal infant, dubbed a 'real-life Dumbo', and two adults nodding their heads and stamping its feet, as rave music blasts out of the speakers - much to the amusement of victors.
Advert
Trainers at the zoo in Phuket, Thailand, then scrape the animals with hooks, which is believed to act as a reminder to the elephants that they could be poked with sharp objects if they don't perform, according to the Independent.
Investigators who filmed the upsetting footage also saw one elephant being jabbed by a trainer, while some of the older animals were made to swing hoops around their trunks.
As one of the elephants moves away from the podium it is supposed to stand on, a trainer then pulls it back into place by its ear.
Advert
According to reports, the animals are forced to take part in the 'play' three times a day.
Behind the scenes footage also shows the animals in a clear state of distress, sucking their trunks and dancing repeatedly.
Speaking to the Independent, Amy Jones of Moving Animals, the organisation behind the undercover footage, said: "Tourists' money pays to keep this young elephant in captivity, and she will spend the rest of her life, forced to perform day after day.
"Shocking photos also reveal her skeletal body, raising concerns of possible malnourishment and exhaustion."
Advert
Ms Jones revealed that she also saw an elephant alone in a concrete enclosure, tugging on her chain and trying to get to the investigators.
Since the release of the disgusting footage, a petition has now been signed more than 24,000 times, demanding the school's closure.
It says: "The tiny infant is made to 'perform' for tourists up to three times a day in shows that include 'raving' to loud music, 'playing' musical instruments and performing tricks.
Advert
"Eyewitness footage and images have also revealed her skeletal body, raising concerns of possible malnourishment and exhaustion.
"When she is not performing, she stands on display for tourists, all while silently sucking on her trunk for comfort - a sign of distress seen when infant elephants are without their mother.
"We must stop this from being her fate for the rest of her life."
It continues: "No elephant should have to live in such heartbreaking conditions. And 'Dumbo' deserves to spend the rest of her life in a place where she can feel happiness and peace."
Topics: Extinct, World News, Interesting, Animals