BARNUM BURNERS

Animal advocates cheer circus’ end

Animal-rights activists rejoiced when they found out that the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus was ending its 146-year run this year, while fans bemoaned the big top’s demise.

“IT’S OVER,” tweeted former “Baywatch” star Pamela Anderson, who has worked with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The longtime vegan shared the animal-rights group’s statement on her own Web site.

“As of May, the saddest show on earth for wild animals will end,” it read. “Ringling is closing! 36 years of PETA protests of documenting animals left to die, beaten animals, and much more, has reduced attendance to the point of no return.”

It continued with a message to other animal attractions.

“Society has changed, eyes have been opened, people know now who these animals are, and we know it is wrong to capture and exploit them,” the statement read.

Feld Entertainment, which owns the circus, announced Saturday that “The Greatest Show on Earth” would end in May due to high costs and sluggish ticket sales that became worse after it eliminated its elephant act last year.

A-listers and activist groups alike were among those applauding the final act Sunday.

“The Ringling Brothers circus is shutting down after 146 years! Massive victory for animals!” the Humane League, a nonprofit farm for animal protection, tweeted.

Comedian Ricky Gervais tweeted that it’s a “victory for humanity.”

And “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane tweeted: “The closure of Ringling Bros. circus ends 146 years of animal humiliation for human amusement. Good riddance.” But not everyone was happy. “Noooooo pls don’t close whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy nooooooooo noooooooooo,” former basketball superstar Shaquille O’Neal tweeted.

Ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was also saddened by the news.

“Ringling Bro. Circus shutdownvery sad; Greatest Show on Earth won’t be seen by future generations. Thanks for the memories, RB!” he tweeted.

While Donald Trump hasn’t chimed in, he recently took a shot at the circus for its decision to retire the elephants in the show.

“@RinglingBros is retiring their elephants — the circus will never be the same,” he tweeted last week.

There will be 30 more shows before the circus makes its final stop on May 21 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, LI.

“We’re honored to host the final @RinglingBros performances,” the arena tweeted.