Circus returns without animal acts

“The Greatest Show on Earth” is making a comeback featuring extraordinary humans and no animal acts five years after shutting down its three-ring circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey said Wednesday.

Talent teams have already conducted auditions in Argentina, Mongolia, Ethiopia, France and the United States, with more than 1,000 performers applying to join a 50-city North American tour starting in September 2023.

The company said is heard from many fans after ending its 146-year run over criticism over its use of animals, and has considered their comments while re-imagining how to “keep the franchise fresh and alive.”