Bario cried as she watched the final big cat act with its leopards, tigers and Alexander Lacey, the handsome animal trainer. But it was those animal shows that led to the circus' eventual demise. Ringling's parent company, Feld Entertainment, announced in January it would close the show, citing declining attendance and high operating costs. Feld Entertainment CEO Kenneth Feld said that "we all have to embrace change." George "Jerry" Hogan, Ringling's circus chaplain.

Source: ABC News May 21, 2017 15:48 UTC