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Topic: Ringling Brothers

The circus is leaving town

Alli Joseph
FILE - In this May 1, 2016 file photo, Asian elephants perform for the final time in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Providence, R.I. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will end "The Greatest Show on Earth" in May 2017, following a 146-year run. Declining attendance combined with high operating costs, along with changing public tastes and prolonged battles with animal rights groups all contributed to its demise. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes, File) (AP)

Send out the clowns

Tamara Lush
FILE - In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, ringmaster Andre McClain, center, holds his hat to his heart as the national anthem is played during the opening of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, at Knoxville Civic Coliseum, Knoxville, Tenn. The circus will phase out the show's iconic elephants from its performances by 2018, telling The Associated Press exclusively on Thursday, March 5, 2015 that growing public concern about how the animals are treated led to the decision. (AP Photo/The Daily Times, Mark A. Large) MANDATORY CREDIT (AP)

The circus leaves town forever

AP Staff
(Ivan Evdokimov/Shutterstock)

Lindsay Abrams

The Brangelina of the circus

Laura Miller