If your child loves the vintage goodness of Animal Crackers, you're about to notice a distinctive new look to that iconic cardboard box the cookies are housed in. The gorgeous animals featured on the box are finally free...of their cages, that is.

Barnum's Animals have been manufactured for over 100 years, and while there have been some special edition versions of the packaging in that time, the animals have largely been kept behind bars. It always appeared like the elephants, lions, polar bears, and gorillas were riding in cages on a circus train of sorts. For animal rights activists, this has been a point of contention.

But now activists and animal cracker lovers alike can rejoice, because Nabisco has nixed the cages in favor of illustrating these stunning creatures at home in the wild. Have no fear, though, if you're an animal cracker purist. The recipe for the treats themselves hasn't changed, simply the message being sent on the box.

A spokesperson for Nabisco's parent company, Mondelez International, told NPR that the time had come to make the update in an effort to keep the brand relevant. All good things evolve over time, even classic snacks.

Lest you think this is the first time Nabisco has tried to make nice with the very animals it shapes the crackers after, the company has actually supported wildlife in various ways in the past.

In a story that ran by the Associated Press, they pointed to several instances in which the brand promoted health wildlife relations. Nearly 20 years ago they produced an endangered species collection to raise money for the World Wildlife Fund. Shortly afer that its zoo collection raised funds for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Then,, in 2010, designer Lily Pulitzer, known for her preppy, feminine prints, crafted a pastel-colored box in an effort to raise money for tiger conservation.

Considering just last year Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus ended its run after 150 years in business, Nabisco's creative move really does come at an ideal time. Ringling Bros. cited poor ticket sales and pressure from animal rights groups as reasons contributing to calling it quits.

READ NEXT: You Can Make A Unicorn Frappe In Your Own Kitchen With This Magical Mix