Heartbreaking footage shows a skeletal 'real-life Dumbo' being forced to dance and perform tricks – or face cruel punishment.

The clip, unearthed by The Independent , shows the elephant being made to bang her head to rave music as laughing tourists watch on.

The sickening video was taken at Phuket Zoo, where the animal is forced to perform three times a day.

When not dancing in front of the public, the elephant is seen chained up and sucking on her trunk – which experts say is a sign of distress.

Amy Jones, from activist group Moving Animals, told The Independent: "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."

During her 'performances', workers are seen surrounding her brandishing bullhooks – which are often used to prod animals to make them comply.

More footage taken by Moving Animals show older elephants swaying in distress, and one is seen kicking a ball into a goal.

Ms Jones described the treatment as "heartbreaking", and described seeing a suffering elephant attempting to reach out to investigators.

She said: "We watched as tourists laughed and took selfies, while the baby elephant stood with her eyes closed, quietly sucking her trunk."

Now the group is calling for the real-life Dumbo to be released to a sanctuyary.

A petition , which has been signed more than 24,000 times, 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.

"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."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION TO HELP "DUMBO"

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