WILD ANIMALS IN CIRCUS
%20Image-%20California%20Historical%20Society.jpg)
History
General History
Many historians believe that wild animals were kept for entertainment as a symbol of power and health (Tait 2014).
Menageries (housing for domestic animals) were being set up all around the world beginning 18th century (Tait 2016).
Animals were put on display in cages which allowed visitors to easily view the animals in a safe way.
Most common animals involved were the African elephants, leopards, lions, camels, and polar bears.
Entrepreneurs began travelling with their menageries, and by the end of 1700s the menageries were now called circuses.
Circus reached its peak in the 19th century and many of the acts that were being performed were seen as bravery of the trainer as well as the ferocity of the animals.
Circus shows today mostly involve the use of wild animals, where as in the 19th century, horses, dogs and other domesticated animals were also used for entertainment.
Ringling Brothers
Ringling brothers owned the largest entertainment empire in the world and were known to host the greatest show on earth. The show started in the early 19th century, however, it is now being shut down after 146 years due to declining attendance, high operating costs, and battle with animal rights groups. Since the Ringling Brothers were constantly fighting animal rights groups, the circus decided to remove all of their elephants from their show in 2016. This decision contributed to a major decline in attendance since people did not want to attend the circus anymore.
​