Success: Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus to End

Target: Kenneth Jeffrey Feld, CEO of Feld Entertainment, Parent Company of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

Goal: Applaud closure of cruel animal circus.

After over a century of hoopla, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will finally come to an end. The circus, which touts itself as “The Greatest Show on Earth,” was notorious for controversy surrounding the treatment of its animals. Over the years, hundreds of wild animals including elephants, lions, zebras, tigers, monkeys, horses, and more were exploited for entertainment and profit.

According to a statement released by parent company Feld Entertainment, the circus has seen increased costs and declining ticket sales since it finally decided to stop the elephant act. Elephants used in the circus were reportedly taken from their mothers at young ages and chained, beaten, starved, and otherwise abused during training. Over the years, the circus has been made to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

This victory is thanks to pressure from animal welfare organizations, protesters, and activists including those here at ForceChange. According to a statement, the animals that remain in circus custody, which include lions, tigers, camels, donkeys, alpacas, kangaroos, and llamas, will all go to appropriate sanctuaries.

Keeping wild animals in captivity and forcing them to perform is a cruel practice that causes intense mental and physical anguish. There have even been several cases of trainers injured or killed by the stressed out animals. The decision to end this circus will not only end the suffering of countless animals, but will set an example for other circuses and roadside zoos. Sign the petition below to applaud this massive victory.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Feld,

The recent announcement of the closure of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is a massive victory for hundreds of animals that were exploited and abused in the name of entertainment. Wild animals such as tigers, lions, elephants, gorillas, and more suffered cruel training methods and constant captivity in the interest of corporate profit.

The closure of the circus will not only end the suffering of hundreds of animals, but will set a positive example for other circuses and roadside zoos all over the country. We, the undersigned, thank you for making the compassionate decision to finally end the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Rocket Scientist