It was like stepping back into my childhood. But is was even bigger and better than I had ever seen! 8 motorcycles inside the cage racing around one another, 10 big cats performing with just one trainer, dozens of trapeze artists flying through the sky, many gigantic elephants in the ring all at once, and so much more. I hope that the circus isn’t going to go away, but if they have to eliminate the elephants (which to me are the epitome of the circus), then I think the circus may cease to exist.

Today Brielle and I went to the circus with my friend Kara and her daughter Addison. It was a spectacular show put on by The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey. Pictures are worth a thousand words, so you have to check out the photos!

I am grateful that Brielle was able to see the show in its true majesty with elephants and all! The circus is a part of American history, starting in the late 1800’s. It felt like a blast from the past to be front and center to view this menagerie of over the top entertainment that is a feast for the eyes and ears. Brielle’s eyes were glued to the ring the entire time, not wanting to miss any of the show. They moved from one act to the next seamlessly. The acts seemed to be beyond belief too. How on earth did they get 8 motorcycles going in that cage, racing around one another and sometimes in intricate patterns, and never running into one another!

circus (10)

 

I was reading online after we got home and found out that they will not be using the elephants in the show much longer! It is so sad. The circus has done an incredible job of preserving and breeding Asian elephants, as well as other exotic animals. Wikipedia has some great information, backed by real sources. Here is what I found:

“In 1995, the circus opened the Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida for the breeding, research, and retirement of its Asian Elephant herd. Located in central Florida, this 200-acre facility is dedicated to the conservation, breeding and understanding of these animals. [30] Most dogs in the shows are from animal shelters or rescued from poor living conditions.[31] The circus participates in breeding programs for endangered species used in the shows including the Bengal tiger, the Siberian tiger, and elephant. The tiger population is retired to Big Cat Rescue.[32]”

They talked about their conservation efforts during the show too. I have a great deal of respect for how hard they have worked to change their own rules and regulations of care for these animals. Some PETA and ASPCA pressure probably moved that along as well. But overall, I got the feeling that not only were these animals in the show well cared for, but they were loved like they were part of a family.

But I was saddened to find out that they will stop using elephants in their shows in the next few years. Here is Wikipedia reported on this:

“In March 2015, the parent company Feld Entertainment announced it would stop using elephants in their shows by 2018. The 13 elephants that are part of their shows will be sent to the circus’ Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida, which currently houses over 40 elephants.[41][42] Feld explained that this action was not a result of the animal rights groups allegations that had been deemed unproven by the court (noting that those groups were ordered to pay Feld $25.2 million in settlement for making false allegations), but rather due to the patchwork of local laws regarding whether elephants could be used in entertainment shows.[43]”

So catch a show of the circus before the elephants are gone. Because who knows how much longer it will exist after they are pulled from the show.

Sources:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringling_Bros._and_Barnum_%26_Bailey_Circus