A 70-year-old female elephant named Tikiri typically works every night for 10 days in a row every July during the Esala Perahera Festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka. /VCG Photo

Tikiri typically performs clothed in colorful costumes that hide how incredibly scrawny she has become. /VCG Photo

According to the Save Elephant Foundation, the bright lights induce tears from the inflamed eyes of the elephant which also suffers exhaustion from walking several kilometers to entertain people. /VCG Photo

Animal protectors such as Elisa Allen, the director of animal welfare charity PETA, have urged the Sri Lankan authorities to stop the "cruel" treatment. /VCG Photo