New York's Big Apple Circus could be folding up its tent for good.
The circus filed for bankruptcy protection on Sunday after an emergency fundraising event failed to garner enough money to keep the organization afloat, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The nonprofit organization hoped to raise $2 million in June, but fell short, raising about $900,000, according to The New York Times. Shortly after, the Big Apple canceled its 2016-2017 season.
Attendance faltered in recent years, especially for shows hosted outside the New York area. In addition, the circus, which engages in a number of community programs, saw finances pinched as it provided free or heavily discounted tickets to disabled and disadvantaged children, low income families and seniors.
Big Apple Circus hopes to continue these programs, but may transition them to new nonprofit operators, the Journal reports.
Currently, the circus is seeking buyers for its storage and training facilities in Walden, New York, in hopes of resurrecting its annual ring show with a new owner.