In the Maha Sarakham province of Thailand, three elephants were butchered by a temple and their meat, skulls and tusks were sold for more than $85,000. There are seven other elephants remaining at the temple.

Sangduen Chailert, founder of the Love Elephants and the Environment foundation, said the elephants appear to be suffering from severe malnutrition and could die if they don't receive treatment. Or they could be butchered -- in Thailand, it's legal to sell ivory from "domesticated" elephants. Chailert and other elephant advocates are calling on the government to save the remaining elephants.

When the butchering at the temple hit the news, there were concerns that it could affect tourism. Let the Thai government know that the international community is watching, and we are appalled by this situation.

Thailand needs to do more to protect their elephants, both wild and in captivity, and they can start by saving these seven neglected animals before it's too late.

Photo credit: nealeanddalissa