Circus owners discuss closing of 'Greatest Show on Earth'

Show permanently closing in May

ELLENTON, Fla. – Feld Entertainment on Monday discussed the closing of the iconic Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus during a news conference.

Kenneth Feld, the chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment, which has owned the circus for nearly 50 years, held the meeting at the company's headquarters, said the change of the family unit, not animal rights' activists, prompted the move.

"This is not a win for animal rights activists," Feld said. "This is not a win for anyone. Entertainment has changed. The traditional family unit is different."

Feld's daughter, Juliette Feld, chief operating officer, said the company saw a decline in sales over many years, especially in 2016 after it was announced elephants would no longer be a part of the circus.

Feld Entertainment broke the news to 400 circus employees Saturday night that the show would close permanently in May. The Felds said the company will provide "job placement, interview and resume preparation" for the affected workers.

 


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