In a move that is sure to make animal activists happy, it was announced that Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey would end its circus run after 146 years.
On the Ringling circus website, Kenneth Feld, producer of the circus, said in a statement, “After much evaluation and deliberation, my family and I have made the difficult business decision that Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey will hold its final performances in May of his year.”
He cited the reason for the closure as declining ticket sales and a drop in attendance since elephants were removed.
The final show for Circus XTREME will be held on May 7, 2017 in Providence, R.I. and the Out of This World tour will hold its final show May 21.
The circus has been a focal point of contention for animal rights activists as they were accused of animal cruelty. Elephants removed from the show were taken to an Elephant Conservation center located in Florida in May 2016.
Wayne Pacelle with the Humane Society of the United States responded to the news saying “I know this is bittersweet for the Feld family, but I applaud their decision to move away from an institution grounded on inherently inhumane wild animal acts.”