The Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, billed as "The Greatest Show on Earth," is about to fold its tent for the very last time, as reported by NPR, ending its 146-year run.

Kenneth Feld, CEO of Feld Entertainment, which produces the show, stated that the last show will be held in May this year. He added, "This has been a very difficult decision for me and for the entire family."

Feld explained that the decision was made due to the show's declining ticket sales, which was compounded by the removal of the elephants, the show's most popular attraction. In addition, the high operating cost made the circus an unsustainable business for the company.

The show phased out the elephants due to protests by animal rights groups, which criticize Ringling for forcing animals to perform. The elephants had been the main feature of the show for almost as long as the circus itself.

However, before Ringling became a wholesome family fun, it initially made a traveling exhibition of animals and human peculiarities while the five Ringling brothers performed juggling acts and skits.

According to the New York Times, Ringling will perform 30 more shows between now and May, which include stops in Boston, Atlanta, Washington and Philadelphia. The final shows will be in Providence, Rhode Island and Uniondale, New York on May 7 and May 21, respectively.

The Feld family bought Ringling in 1967. The company also runs other high-profile traveling shows that include "Monster Jam," "Supercross" and "Marvel Universe and Disney on Ice." Moreover, Feld Entertainment is able to attract 30 million attendees to its live shows each year. The shutdown will affect about 400 cast and crew members.