The Ringling Bros.and Barnum and Baily Circus is a huge part of American history, especially here in Sarasota. It’s been a long standing circus having been around for 146 years and is now facing its last few shows this year. Feld Entertainment, who owns the Ringling circus explains that times are changing and so are the audiences. Today, there is not the same interest in the circus as there once was and even more so of a problem are the battles with the animal rights activists. The Circus has been fighting animal activists for years costing them million and after taking out the elephant act the circus revenues went down even further. With the high operating costs, expense of legal battles and lack of interest in the circus by audiences of the 20th century, Feld Entertainment decided it was time to close the show down. The news has been heartbreaking for many and over 500 workers will be left without job; however Feld intends to help all their employees find new work and bring many of them on to their other productions. Others are cheering the end of the circus, such as PETA who stated “After 36 years of PETA protests, which showed the world the plight of animal captivity, PETA heralds the end of the saddest show on earth.” Regardless, the circus has entertained thousands for nearly 200 years and is ingrained in our history of Sarasota. It will be kept in our memories forever and remain a piece of fascination to our city.
The Last Show for Ringling Bros.
