THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH IS NOW HISTORY

After 146 years of entertaining families across the US, the curtain has come down on the iconic Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus — a victim of financial and animal rights pressures. Homes have been found for the animals that were owned by Ringling, including the tigers, horses and camels

1808

Bailey Circus founded by Hachaliah Bailey, taking the first African elephant to US soil

1871

P.T. Barnum’s Grand Travelling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan, and Circus opens in Brooklyn

1881

Barnum and Bailey merge shows as Barnum & Bailey Circus to tour eastern US

1884

Another show called Ringling Brothers Circus founded in US Midwest

1919

Circuses merge to form Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus – The Greatest Show on Earth (RBBB)

1945

Rising costs in post-war America and people migrating to cinema and television hit circus hard

2016

Following years of pressure from animal rights activists, RBBB’s Asian elephants perform for last time

May 21, 2017

Final performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Uniondale, New York

I do everything. I don’t care if I have to dive into a trash can. That’s how I want to be remembered. I’m going to go and cry Sandor Eke, Boss Clown