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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

'A Kingdom On Wheels': The Hidden World That Made The Circus Happen

A Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's circus truck is unloaded as the "Out of this World" show is set up at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore. This was one of the last few stops on the circus's final tour. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

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Claire Harbage/NPR

The Two-Way

'A Kingdom On Wheels': The Hidden World That Made The Circus Happen

Awe-inspiring feats of logistics. Incredible strength of community. As the "Greatest Show on Earth" plays its final act, the cast and crew are saying goodbye to more than just a livelihood.

'A Kingdom On Wheels': The Hidden World That Made The Circus Happen

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From The Big Top Into The Big World: A Ringling Ringmaster's Final Bow

Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson enters the ring in Fairfax, Va., at one of the final performances of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Marian Carrasquero/NPR hide caption

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Marian Carrasquero/NPR

National

From The Big Top Into The Big World: A Ringling Ringmaster's Final Bow

Johnathan Lee Iverson, the first African-American ringmaster of "The Greatest Show on Earth," helms the famed Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for its last performance this Sunday.

From The Big Top Into The Big World: A Ringling Ringmaster's Final Bow

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Ringling Bros. Circus Holds Final Shows Featuring Elephants

For the last time, elephants were used in a performance by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus last night. The circus elephants are seen here during a show last month in Washington, D.C. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Ringling Bros. Circus Holds Final Shows Featuring Elephants

In the world of animal rights, one activist compares it to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The original plan called for phasing out elephants' role in the circus by 2018.

Ringling Bros. Says No More Circus Elephants By 2018

Elephant acts at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be phased out by 2018, the circus' parent company said today. The elephants will retire to a conservation center in Polk City, Fla. Tamika Moore/AL.com/Landov hide caption

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Tamika Moore/AL.com/Landov

The Two-Way

Ringling Bros. Says No More Circus Elephants By 2018

The "Greatest Show on Earth" has been under pressure for years from animal rights advocates over its use of Asian elephants in its 5,000 annual shows.

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