FL-Based Ringling Bros. Announces Comeback Tour Without Animal Acts

PALMETTO, FL — Florida-based Feld Entertainment confirmed Wednesday the long-awaited return of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. This time around, however, things will look a little different. There will be no animal acts.

“As passionate stewards of Ringling, we are committed to creating a lifestyle brand that connects with families and sparks real fun 365 days a year through live performances, digital content, consumer products, school curricula, youth circus arts programs and more,” said Kenneth Feld, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Feld Entertainment.

“We are innovating all aspects of the live show and modernizing the franchise to create an engaging property that is built for today’s families and will last another 150 years," he continued.

Feld shut down its circus in 2017 after animal activists spoke out about the treatment of elephants and other animals in the show. Other factors that led to the closure include declining ticket sales and high operating costs, the Bradenton Herald reported.

According to the company, the upcoming live production of the circus will feature "extraordinary humans" from around the world, performing incredible feats that push the limits of human potential and create jaw-dropping moments.

New technologies and a 360-degree experience are designed to break down the barriers between the performers and attendees. Each show will also incorporate interactive elements that engage the audience and creates a different experience with every show, the company said.

The company said a global search for the best acts in the world is underway to bring the show to life. Auditions for The Greatest Show On Earth are now taking place in countries including Ethiopia, France, Mongolia, Argentina and the United States. More than 1,000 applications and digital submissions have already been received.

While the upcoming shows will be different than those of the past, Ringling's logo will also be getting a makeover.

"The refreshed look of Ringling, as conceptualized in a new logo, has been designed to evoke the brand’s rich heritage while also creating feelings of wonder, discovery and joy. The 'R' in Ringling combines the inquisitiveness of a question mark, along with the punctuated excitement of an exclamation point. This unique design creates the Ringling interrobang, which is a perfect symbol to punctuate the 'WOW' and curiosity of the brand," the company said in a news release.

The live production of "The Greatest Show On Earth" will debut in fall 2023, according to Feld Enterainment.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus dates back to 1871 and was Feld's longest-running show.

Feld produces many other live shows including "Monster Jam," "Disney on Ice" and "Sesame Street Live!"