What are your thoughts on Ringling Brothers' decision to shut down the circus, a

1. 0

   savvydatingposted 6 years ago

   What are your thoughts on Ringling Brothers' decision to shut down the circus, after 146 years?
   
   The circus had been referred to as The Greatest Show On Earth. However, after animal activists demanded that elephants be removed from the circus, sales dropped tremendously. Apparently, circus goers loved the animals best of all. The last show was bittersweet for the many generations of circus performers who will now have to find work elsewhere. Are you glad the circus is gone or would you rather it have stayed?
   
   

   replyreport
2. 94

   lisavollrathposted 6 years ago

   I think time passed by Ringling Brothers, and they didn't do enough to keep up. After all, Cirque du Soleil has never had animals in their performances, and they're making money hand over fist.
   
   Don't blame animal activists. Blame being out of touch with how to reach modern audiences, and falling back on the same stuff they did 146 years ago.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      savvydatingposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Ringling Bros. had implemented updates, but they could not keep up with today's iphone generation. Even The Washington Post waxed sentimental: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertai … -bros-and-

      replyreport
3. 93

   FatFreddysCatposted 6 years ago

   I saw the Ringling Bros circus when I was a kid, long enough ago that I only have vague memories of it now. It was a product of another era, I'm kinda surprised that it lasted as long as it did.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      savvydatingposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      My understanding is that is had become rather spectacular in the past 10 years---not just a thing of ponies circling the ring. But times have changed and that's the way it goes. Thanks for commenting.

      replyreport
4. 87

   MizBejabbersposted 6 years ago

   I loved the circus. Ringling Bros. circus was the highlight of my small-town summer. They let me ride a zebra once. But time have changed and we do have to update to this digital world. I'll miss the circus, but if the tales of animal abuse were true, it was time for them to go.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      savvydatingposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Miz, I am not so sure that Ringling Bros. abused animals. PETA has  hunted down & killed 90% of the animals they steal, whereas Ringling brothers hired professionals to care for their animals & they passed all inspections.

      replyreport
   2. 60

      fpherj48posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Did I read correctly? "PETA" has hunted down and killed animals? I'm speechless, Yves. Glad to hear Ringling did things right!

      replyreport
   3. 0

      savvydatingposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Paula, That appears to be the case. PETA has even been cited for actually going into neighborhoods and stealing cats/pets, only to kill them. As for the elephant cuff, that is standard procedure approved by veterinarians. Thanks for commenting!

      replyreport
   4. 87

      MizBejabbersposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Savvy, I'm not sure they're guilty either, just saying "if". I know someone who lived with RBBB years ago, and said he never saw any animal cruelty. He said the lion cubs lived with families who had children to acclimate them to humans.

      replyreport
   5. 0

      savvydatingposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Miz, Ringling Bros. seemed to have a close knit family. I also wish to comment on Lisa's assertion that Cirque was "making money hands over fist." The truth is, Cirque has suffered many cutbacks. Point is, RB circus lovers loved the animals best.

      replyreport
5. 60

   fpherj48posted 6 years ago

   So, the circus is no more....all good things must come to an end, so I've heard.  Truth of the matter is, I had never been to a circus as a child and attended only one as an adult when I brought my young kids.  As much as I love animals, I admit to being fascinated by my one & only circus experience.  (That is of course except for most of my life being a whole heck of a lot like a circus, more often than not! )
   I suspect if I knew the real truth about how the animals are treated, fed & maintained, I'd not be happy.  Just the fact that they are kept in captivity & forced to perform, leaves me a bit concerned. I remember seeing a film about this very topic and watching a beautiful female elephant stepping back & forth in a small circle while being tethered to a huge post with an iron cuff around her ankle. I could almost feel her frustration and stress.  I nearly cried for her and wanted to set her free.  I'm shocked the animal activists hadn't forced the circus to shut down long ago.
   I should think the children (and families) of today's world will find other means and ways to entertain themselves without the infamous Ringling Bros Circus.  146 years is certainly a good amount of time to exist! 
   As for all the circus traveling employees.....I'll bet they're all very tough, talented and versatile individuals who will pick up jobs right away! 
   I appreciate this news Yves because I hadn't heard or read a thing about it.

   replyreport
   1. 87

      MizBejabbersposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Savvy, I meant for this to go below your last comment. I think you are correct. Cirque attracts a different audience from Ringling Brothers with its animals.

      replyreport