NEW YORK — The Greatest Show on Earth will soon be without elephants. Ringling Bros. announced Thursday it will gradually reduce, and by 2018 eliminate, the use of elephants in its shows. Elephants have played a central role in its shows and advertising, but has also been controversial. The circus said it currently has 13 elephants traveling for its shows and about 40 at its Center for Elephant Conversation in Florida.
“No other institution has done or is doing more to save this species from extinction, and that is something of which I and my family are extremely proud,” Kenneth Feld, the chairman and CEO of Ringling Bros. owner, Feld Entertainment, said. “This decision was not easy, but it is in the best interest of our company, our elephants and our customers.”
This is a developing story.
