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So long to the circus!
After 146 years of traveling entertainment and controversy (more on that below), the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is planning on shutting down, offering its final show in May, according to Kenneth Feld, the CEO and producer of the show.
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The news was announced Saturday night on the company’s website, and cited steadily declining ticket sales to their shows across the country — even after the company stopped using elephants in its tours, at the request of animal rights activists.
Feld stated simply on the site:
“This, coupled with high operating costs, made the circus an unsustainable business for the company.”
Well there you have it.
The touring elephants are arguably at the center of this; animal rights groups long criticized the show for using elephants and potentially putting the animals in harm’s way — the result of which drove customers away in protest.
And then, after Ringling completely phased out their elephants last May, well, the rest of their customers didn’t show up to the new style of show like the company had obviously expected.
Employees of the company — roughly 500 people — were told about the shutdown after shows in Orlando and Miami this weekend.
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Of course, don’t feel too bad for Feld and his entertainment group; that company also runs a number of other high profile traveling shows, including Supercross, Monster Jam, Marvel Universe Live, and Disney On Ice.
Still, a win for elephant supporters and those opposed to the general idea of the circus — and maybe a loss for the few customers left who really enjoyed a night out to see the ‘Greatest Show On Earth.’
What do U think, Perezcious readers??
Are you sad to see the circus go?!
Let us know in the comments (below)!
….and at least we’ll be left with one circus remaining come next Friday in the White House, right?!
Ha!!
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