End of the Circus

About Stephen Payne

Stephen Payne is vice president of corporate communications for Feld Entertainment Inc., which owns Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus . He is the spokesperson for the circus. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus announced on Saturday night that after 146 years of performances, it was folding its big tent forever. The closing will affect about 400 cast and crew members. Citing public concern about the elephants the circus’ parent company, Feld Entertainment, announced that it would phase out the use of the animals in its shows by 2018. Following this announcement tickets sales fell off considerably. Dozens of performing animals need new homes after the owner of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus announced the looming end of the famed show. Between 40 and 50 animals, including about 18 tigers, must find new owners after long dazzling crowds in “The Greatest Show on Earth.”