For 146 years, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus traveled throughout the United States, dazzling audiences across the country. However, claims of animal abuse contributed to the circus's closure in 2017.
The hardworking circus elephants had only known lives of discomfort, captivity, and separation while being forced to perform and travel for hours upon hours.
But there is some great news for animal lovers — and about 30 of these now-retired circus elephants, who range in age from 8 to 63 and include calves and their grandparents.
Mark and Kimbra Walter are known for their incredible work as wildlife philanthropists. They run a highly respected refuge in Florida that is about to become home to the largest elephant herd in the Western Hemisphere.
