Harrowing footage shows dolphins from an Indonesian travelling circus being kept out of water for long periods of time during performances.

While crowds gawp at a bear doing pull-ups and an otter running on a barrel, the dolphin is just left at the side of the pool, forgotten and uncared for.

Being out of water for too long is ultimately fatal for the animals, but they are at risk of serious conditions if they spend even a relatively short time above the surface.

Harrowing footage shows dolphins from an Indonesian travelling circus being kept out of water for long periods of time during performances

The footage has been released by Animals Asia, which is also pressuring Sriwijaya Air to stop transporting the neglected circus animals on flights.

In the clip, the mammal can be seen struggling to breathe while the other animals go through their routines.

It is only when families have stopped for selfies that it is eventually allowed back into the water.

The dolphin has to watch on from the side of the pool while a bear cub does pull-ups and ride a a bicycle

It is only when families have stopped for selfies that it is eventually allowed back into the water

Animals Asia's Animal Welfare Director Dave Neale said: 'Although they are mammals and breathe air like humans, dolphins have not evolved to spend time out water.

'The lack of buoyancy can lead to pressure on the lungs, which can cause respiratory problems, and the rapid dehydration can have a negative impact on their skin.

'In addition they are at risk of being scratched by uneven surfaces, and being exposed to chemicals that may have been used to clean surfaces.

Animals Asia is also pressuring Sriwijaya Air to stop transporting the neglected circus animals on flights

''Add in all the noise – particularly from a circus setting – and you have a recipe for physical and psychological trauma which may be killing these highly complex animals.'

At present, Indonesia's travelling circuses own around 70 dolphins, which are loaded onto trucks and then planes as they travel around the country.

The group is running the video alongside a petition, which currently has 25,000 signatures, to stop Sriwijaya Air in its 'complicity' in helping the cruel circuses to thrive.