After 146 Years, Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus To Shut Down

"After its nearly century and a half run, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus plans to shut down 'The Greatest Show On Earth.'"

"The historic American spectacle will deliver its final show in May, says Kenneth Feld, the chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment, the producer of Ringling."

"Feld announced the news on the company website Saturday night, citing declining ticket sales — which dipped even lower as the company retired its touring elephants."

"'This, coupled with high operating costs, made the circus an unsustainable business for the company,' Feld says."