Ringling Bros. executives say circus no longer 'sustainable business model'

Long-running traveling act coming to end after 146 years

PALMETTO, Fla. – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus executives said the decision to close after 146 years was unfortunate but the only viable option because of declining sales and a shift in appetite for the traveling act.

Kenneth Feld, chief executive officer, and Juliette Feld, chief operating officer, answered questions from reporters Monday during a news conference at the circus' Florida headquarters.

Saturday's announcement to close came while the circus was in Miami for performances at the American Airlines Arena.

Juliette Feld said the company has seen a sharp decline in attendance in the last 10 years, and the decision to close came after looking at advance ticket sales for the 2017 performances.

"We're no longer able to see this as a sustainable business model," she said.

Exact numbers were not disclosed.

Kenneth Feld said the history of the circus will be preserved for future generations, likely at the circus museum in Sarasota.

Juliette and Kenneth Feld speak to reporters about their decision to close the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus.

He said removing elephants from the circus act amid pressure from animal rights activists dramatically impacted sales. He said the "percentage drop was much more severe than what we anticipated."

Still, Kenneth Feld acknowledged that it wasn't the only factor. He also pointed to a generational change in the consumption of entertainment.

"Let's face it," he said. "Times have changed."

Juliette Feld said several options were explored before making the decision to close. She said the company will be working with the circus performers and other employees who will be impacted to help them transition to other opportunities.

Although there may be some other opportunities within the company, more than 400 circus employees will be out of jobs after the final show in May, Juliette Feld said.

She said the trains used to take the circus performers and animals from city to city will be divested.

The company is looking for suitable homes for all the animals that are part of the show.

Laurie Velco, who lives in nearby Sarasota, which has a street named after the circus, said the city was "started virtually by Ringling."

Velco said while the news is sad, it is not particularly surprising.

"It's just a sign of changing times," she said.

Ringling Bros. was founded in Baraboo, Wisconsin, in 1884 by five of the seven Ringling brothers.

The family ran the circus until 1967, when it was sold to Feld Entertainment.


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.