Myisha Nawar
After years of protest from animal advocates, elephants performed for the last time Sunday at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The show took place in Providence, Rhode Island and was broadcast live on the circus’ Facebook page. Thousands of people tuned into the live stream Sunday evening, to share their goodbyes with the iconic circus animals.
The 11 traveling Asian elephants will join the rest of the 29 Ringling Bros. herd at the company’s Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida. They will also be a part of a breeding program as well as provide DNA for a pediatric cancer study. Cities around the world have banned the use of bull hooks on elephants. Some cities have banned the display of exotic animals altogether. Ringling Bros.’ retirement of elephant performers tailed after SeaWorld’s announcement of phasing out its orca shows and ending its captive breeding program.