Distressing footage has emerged of dolphins screeching as they are loaded onto an aeroplane for a travelling circus in Indonesia.

The footage was filmed by Jakarta Animal Aid Network and shows a dolphin being strapped into a small wooden container before being put in the plane’s hold in the dark.

Indonesia is the only country on the planet that still allows dolphins to be used in travelling circuses and it is believed that 70 of the animals are currently subjected to the cruel treatment.

Typically dolphins live until they are around 50 years old, but in the circus they are likely to die when they are as young as five.

It is believed they die as a result of the stress they are under from performing and being transported in ways like this.

AnimalsAsia posted footage on instagram saying: ‘TAKE ACTION: We need your help. This has truly shocked us. We have long campaigned against animal performance.

‘This is something worse still. In Indonesia there are travelling circuses that locks dolphins into a coffin-like box and transports them by plane, again and again ahead of each sickening performance.

‘To stop the circuses, first we must stop the airline involved. Join us today in asking Sriwijaya Air to stop these flights and help end this cruelty. Sign the petition now and ask everyone you know to do the same.

‘YOU can shine a spotlight on this cruelty. Together we can end it.

‘These dolphins’ live much-shortened lives filled with fear when they should be free. You can help free them.’

Animals Asia’s Animal Welfare Director Dave Neale said: ‘People are quite rightly outraged by the fate of dolphins in aquariums. Even the biggest pools are totally unsuitable for these animals, but what they suffer in traveling circuses is unparalleled.

‘The performance pool is far too small but even this must be a welcome relief compared to how they travel. The crates the dolphins are boxed into are barely the size of their body.

‘What a bewildering, stressful and horrific experience for an animal which naturally roams hundreds of miles with family and extended social group.

‘Once the nightmare of air travel ends, the dolphin’s only reward is to jump through hoops of fire in a tiny pool in exchange for food while surrounded by loud music. To subject dolphins to a life like this is nothing short of extreme cruelty, it is little wonder they die so terribly young.’