The curtain will come down on the iconic American circus company Ringling Bros permanently in May, according to its owners.
Its parent company Feld Entertainment says a mix of factors including low ticket sales, high operating costs - and pressure from animal welfare groups - contributed to the decision.
Animal rights groups have lauded the move, while celebrities and the general public have given mixed reactions.
"The decision to end the circus tours was made as a result of high costs coupled with a decline in ticket sales, making the circus an unsustainable business for the company," reads a statement from Feld Entertainment.
"Following the transition of the elephants off the circus [last year], the company saw a decline in ticket sales greater than could have been anticipated."
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Humane League issued statements celebrating the closing of the circus.
"I applaud their decision to move away from an institution grounded on inherently inhumane wild animal acts," says HSUS president and CEO Wayne Pacelle.
Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal appeared to be upset with the news, however, tweeting an unusual message mostly consisting of the letters "y" and "o".
Star Trek actor George Takei tweeted about the news only to use it to mock Donald Trump.
The US President-elect himself tweeted in 2015 and 2016 lamenting Ringling's decision to end its use of elephants.
Ringling Bros' two circus units will conclude their tours with their final shows in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 7, and at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, on May 21.
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