Watch CBS News

Ringling Bros. Circus Elephants Take Final Bow

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJZ) — The Ringling Brothers' elephants have taken their final bow. On Sunday, the iconic animals performed their last show in Rode Island. It's a bittersweet decision for the circus that comes after animal abuse allegations.

Tracey Leong went to the Royal Farms Arena, where they last toured in Baltimore.

The Ringling Brothers elephants were last here in March. The change ends a 145-year-old tradition for the circus.

These majestic elephants are saying farewell to the stage as the Greatest Show on Earth loses their biggest stars. For years, the show's Asian elephants drew crowds of fans and angry animal activists.

"Bittersweet decision, no question about it, but it is the best thing and we felt this was the right time to do it," said Feld Entertainment CEO Kenneth Feld.

Feld owns the Ringling Brothers' parent company.

Activists accuse the circus of mistreating the elephants with countless undercover videos capturing the abuse.

Actor Alec Baldwin also joined the dialogue.

"Hard for me to believe anyone would be dragged kicking and screaming into show business but for the elephants with Ringling Brothers, that's exactly what happens," he said.

Their last tour through Baltimore was in March, where they also entertained crowds at Lexington Market. Their final curtain call was in Providence, Rhode Island.

"It left me speechless," said one.

The 11 elephants will retire to a 200-acre conservation center in Florida, ending a tradition that animal activists say should have stopped a long time ago.

"I will enjoy the circus more knowing they are going someplace humane that does not cause horrible suffering," said Elinor Molbegott, New York Humane Society.

Other large animals will still be used in the circus, including lions, horses and tigers.

The elephant conservation center is also owned by the Ringling Brothers.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.