An elephant was put on display at a Sri Lankan festival, but its old, bony frame was covered by a costume, wildlife advocates said.

Images of 70-year-old elephant Tikiri's frail frame were shared on Facebook by the Save Elephant Foundation, a charity dedicated to protecting Asian elephants.

Tikiri's frail frame was shown on Facebook by the Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand. Credit:Facebook, Save Elephant Foundation

Tikiri was from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and was paraded during the Perahera Festival, one of the oldest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka held in July and August.

"She is one of the 60 elephants who must work in the service of the Perahera Festival in Sri Lanka this year," the foundation wrote.