The Time Magazine Article Elephants' Next Act by Zachary Humenik could bring positive or negative feelings towards the audience. This article shares that elephants will no longer be a part of The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
For those who are "concerned about the negative effect captivity has on these highly intelligent animals", the removal of elephants from the act will be an answer to this potential problem. According to this article, the public opinion about elephants being part of the act has changed. Now many people "aren't comfortable" with the idea. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has definitely responded to the public, and their elephants will find a new, safe home at The Elephant Conservation Center in Florida.
For people who aren't concerned with the elephants' safety while traveling with the circus, this change may bring negative feelings. It's definitely a major shift. After all, "the elephant has been a symbol of the Ringling Bros. circus act since it began 145 years ago". Clearly elephants have had a generous role in the production of the circus if they have been with it for almost a century and a half, and they are the symbol. One of the first things several people would think about involved with a circus is elephants.
Although this is a huge change, it won't happen overnight. There's still thirteen elephants performing with The Ringling Bros. and they will do so until 2018. I give these circuses credit for doing what they think the public would want. Also, they are keeping animal safety in mind. Hopefully the show will be as successful without them.
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