Derrick Rosaire, Sr., is the feisty 89 year old patriarch of the world renowned Rosaire circus family. In his youth, he was known as “The Boy Wonder” for his unique talent in training and communicating with wild animals. “I’ve never pushed any animal around, they do it because they want to”, he says in a voice choked with emotion.

Derrick Rosaire, Sr was born in South Wingfield, England, to a circus family of eight children who specialized in training and performing with lions, tigers, bears, dogs and chimpanzees. He came to the United States in 1960 to appear on the "Ed Sullivan Show" with his equestrian act, "Rosaire and Tony the Wonder Horse." He went on to perform on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and at the White House for President Nixon. He later trained animals like Gentle Ben the Bear, Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion and Judy, the chimpanzee in the television show “Daktari”.

Derrick Rosaire, Sr has won numerous awards and was inducted into the prestigious St. Armands Circle Ring of Fame. He passed down his talents to his five children, all of whom have followed in his footsteps and carried on their rich circus legacy.