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After 146 years, the ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ comes to an end
'The Greatest Show on Earth' makes its last appearance in Washington before closing down in May after more than 140 years in operation. On May 21, the world’s most historic circus, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, will shut down after failing to sufficiently dazzle the children of the smartphone age and to overcome the fierce opposition of the animal rights movement, which does not want to see animals in the circus.
Updated on: Apr 12, 2017 5:35 PM IST
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Alexander Lacey, animal trainer for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, in Washington. (Doug Mills / NYT)
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Davis Vassallo and his daughter Adriana prepare to perform with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. (Doug Mills / NYT)
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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which started in 1871, is making its final trip to the District this weekend as part of its farewell tour. (Doug Mills / NYT)
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After 146 years of entertaining throngs across the country, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has decided to end its travelling showcase after this farewell tour. The circus’ final show is scheduled for May 21 in Uniondale, New York. (Doug Mills / NYT)
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Backstage at a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus performance. (Doug Mills / NYT)
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Standard poodles and dogs rescued from pounds are part of the act with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus in Washington. (Doug Mills / NYT)
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Company officials announced in January that the circus would embark on a final series of performances that once were widely considered the epitome of entertainment. (Doug Mills / NYT)
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The Cossack Riders, facing constant danger doing daring acrobatics during the perform. (Doug Mills / NYT)
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Alexander Lacey, animal trainer for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. (Doug Mills / NYT)
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Vassallo family members backstage getting ready for the performance. (Doug Mills / NYT)
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Acrobats perform as part of the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey circus . (Doug Mills / NYT)
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