The Last Barnum and Bailey Circus: An End of an Era

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus made its final appearance in Uniondale, New York, in May 2017. The circus was the biggest touring show in the world and had been delighting crowds for 146 years. Due to dwindling ticket sales, expensive operating expenses, and worries about animal welfare, the circus was forced to close.

P.T. Barnum and James A. Bailey established the circus in 1871, and it swiftly gained popularity throughout the world. A wide variety of acts, including as acrobats, clowns, animal trainers, and daredevils, were presented at the circus. The circus also popularized the idea of the “three-ring circus,” which let several acts to perform at once.

Although the circus was much adored, it has since come under fire for the way in which it treats animals. There were protests and boycotts after the circus was alleged to have mistreated elephants, tigers, and other animals. The circus declared in 2016 that it would stop using elephants in its performances by 2018. The decision, meanwhile, was insufficient to shield the circus from falling attendance and mounting expenses.

Alternative circus entertainment has seen a rise in popularity in the wake of the demise of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. One such instance is the British circus company Cirque Berserk, which combines conventional circus acts with cutting-edge technology and creative staging. Its energetic performances and inventive use of set pieces and visual effects have won plaudits for the group.

Numerous circus troupes, including Giffords Circus, NoFit State, and Zippos Circus, continue to tour and put on shows throughout the UK. These circuses feature a variety of shows, including live music, traditional acrobatics, clowning, and aerial feats.

Even though Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus may have been the biggest and most well-known circus in America, numerous other circuses are currently operating successfully all over the nation. The Big Apple Circus, which was established in 1977 and offers a variety of acts, including animal performers, aerialists, and clowns, is one of the most well-known.

There has been a rising campaign to outlaw the usage of elephants in circuses all around the world. Over 125 cities and counties in the US have passed legislation outlawing the use of wild animals in circuses. The use of wild animals in circuses has also been outlawed in a number of nations, including Mexico, Italy, and the Netherlands.

In conclusion, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus’s closure signaled the end of an era in the circus entertainment industry. Although the circus came under fire for its treatment of animals, it also gave audiences of all ages lifelong memories and experiences. It is unclear what the future holds for this cherished type of entertainment as circuses continue to change and adapt to shifting tastes and trends.