Ringling Brothers to Stop Using Elephants in Circus

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey have brought an end to a tradition as old as the storied company itself by announcing they will stop using elephants in their shows.

The New York Times reports that the removal of elephants from the company's circus shows will be complete in 2018. Activists and animal rights groups had consistently agitated for the company to stop using elephants for the past several decades.

The company acquired its first elephant in 1882, before becoming synonymous with circuses in the United States. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey put on around 1,000 shows a year.

Elephants are admired for their strong familial bonds and sense of memory. It has been found that elephants bury their dead and often return to the burial sites to mourn. Elephants usually live from 60-70 years. They are the largest mammals on land.

The Times reports that a major factor in the decision to end the use of elephants is that they are very expensive to care for and move around the country. Both activists and the circus itself said the decision was most likely due to economics rather than a change in conscience on behalf of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey. The cost for each elephant the company uses on tour is roughly $65,000.

The company currently owns 43 elephants that range in age from 2 to 69. After being phased out of show business, the elephants will be taken to a facility the company owns in Florida. The facility was previously used to breed elephants for the circus, but it will now be converted into a permanent home for the animals.