Ringling Bros Closes: Relive Elephants Marching Through Cleveland

CLEVELAND, OH - The Ringling Bros. circus is turning off its lights and shutting its curtains for the final time. After 146 years in business, declining attendance and high operating costs did the circus in. The final show will be held May 7 in Rhode Island. That will be the final show for 500 Circus employees.

"Nearly 50 years ago, my father founded our company with the acquisition of Ringling Bros. The circus and its people have continually been a source of inspiration and joy to my family and me, which is why this was such a tough business decision to make," Kenneth Feld, chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment, said in the statement. "The decision was even more difficult because of the amazing fans that have become part of our extended circus family over the years, and we are extremely grateful to the millions of families who have made Ringling Bros. part of their lives for generations. We know Ringling Bros. isn’t only our family business, but also your family tradition."

The Ringling Bros. made their last appearance in Cleveland in late October. However, the company had abandoned its use of elephants due to mounting external pressure from animal rights activists. Prior to the company ditching elephants, the circus would march the animals through the main avenues and roads of cities and Cleveland was no exception.

Read more on the decision to close down Ringling Bros here.

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