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The greatest show on earth was the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (or just simply Ringling). It existed from 1871 to 2017 but failed to keep up with the changing times. In 2017 faced with a weakening attendance, many animal rights protests, and high operating costs, it finally performed its last show after having operated for around 150 years. But on May 18, 2022, after a five-year hiatus, it announced the famous circus would be returned reimagined and grander than ever.

A more humane way to see animals is at large animal parks where the animals are free to roam, and visitors are imprisoned in their cars as they drive around the park. One example is the Lion African Safari in Canada and in the United States; consider visiting Bearizona to see the best of North American wildlife.

Changing Times & Retiring Animals From The Circus

The Ringling Circus billed itself as "The Greatest Show on Earth." Previously, the circus had a crew of around 500 people and around 100 animals that would from mile-long trains as it would tour the country. As the 2010s progressed, some important states like New York and Illinois made moved to ban some animals like elephants in traveling shows (so no more Disney's Jumbo).

Criticism of using animals in the circus goes back 100 years to the 1920s; even then, the circus was forced to remove lions and tigers for around a decade.

  • Operated From: 1871 to 2017
  • Ran: 146 Years

The show has always evolved - its impressive 147 years of performances weren't achieved without many changes. According to the parent company, Feld Entertainment, its demise was not so much because of the condemnation of animal rights activists but of an outdated business model (it may have adapted, but it didn't adapt enough after the turn of the millennium).

Still, there are other circuses in the nation, like Loomis Bros. Circus, which still uses ponies, tigers, and elephants in their circus shows. But they are now forced to skip the cities where they are banned.

Related: From Family-Friendly To Adult Entertainment, Vegas Has It All

The Re-borne Ringling Circus With Human-Only Acts

Circuses have been part of public entertainment since their inception in 1768. That was when the "ring" of the three-ring extravaganza was invented.

The circus has been hard at work to bring the circus back without any animals and to dazzle audiences with human talent alone.

The re-borne show will be without animals; there will be no animal acts. Instead, it will focus on what people can agree is ethical for the 21st century. The show will strike its audience with ringmasters, macabre clowns, and much more. Now there will be no lion, tiger, or elephant acts that illicit public distaste (admire these majestic animals on a safari in Africa or India).

The New York Times reports that for more than a year, the circus has been evaluating and drawing in talent from places like Las Vegas, Ethiopia, and Mongolia as it quietly re-vamps its show and talent for a mega comeback. The show is to be focused on narrative storylines and human feats.

Related: Without Even Leaving The U.S., Here's What To Expect On Oregon's Wildlife Safari

Ringling "The Greatest Show On Earth" Is Returning In 2023

"We have been searching near and far, and over and under, for the world’s best performances, acts and superstars with one humongous goal in mind: to make The Greatest Show On Earth even greater.

Get ready for opening night in Fall of 2023—that’s just a hop, skip and double somersault away!"

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

The first show is due to take place less than a year from now and is scheduled for fall 2023. The Ringling Circus is planned to tour more than 50 cities.

  • First Show: Sept. 28, 2023
  • TikTok Channel: Coming January 2023

The Ringling and Barnum & Bailey TikTok channel is due to debut in January 2023.

According to the New York Times, there will be new and old acts. For example, the famous human cannonball act will be returning, and the next human cannonball will be Skyler Miser, the daughter of a former human cannonball for the circus.

Until the Ringling Circus returns, continue to marvel at human talent with a stunning Broadway Show in New York City or an unforgettable show in Las Vegas (they range from adult-only to family-friendly).