PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The Latest on elephants performing for the last time at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (all times local):
7:00 p.m.
An elephant carrying a performer holding an American flag has kicked off the final elephant performance at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Sunday’s performance in Providence, Rhode Island, closes the circus’ chapter on a practice that has entertained audiences since circuses began in the U.S. two centuries ago but that has in recent years been challenged by animal rights activists.
Sunday’s show continued with six Asian elephants parading around the ring, each holding the tail of the one in front of her. The animals will retire to Ringling’s 200-acre Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida.