A Legendary Purrrrr formance: Alexander Lacey and His Big Cats
Making his second American appearance with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® Presents LEGENDS SM, Alexander Lacey, along with his legendary big cats that includes lions, tigers and a leopard will show audiences the brotherly and sisterly love he shares with these majestic cats. At age 11, Alexander left Nottingham to attend school in Lincolnshire, England. He always counted the days until the holidays. “I couldn’t wait to come home to my father’s circus and help with the animals — especially the big cats,” Alexander reflects. After graduation, he began his professional career within his families circus and built his first cat presentation with lions and tigers. A few years later, at age 21, Alexander took his big-cat act on the road. While spending his entire life around big cats, he not only grew up with the regal animals, but he also developed a true passion and love for them which became his career path. Before coming to America, Alexander spent several years touring with his big cats throughout Europe, including Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium. He earned numerous awards and accolades, including “Best of the Best” at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, Silver Clown award in Monaco, and the Chapiteau de Crystal Award in France. Alexander’s typical day starts at 6:30 a.m., when he waters and prepares the cats for act practice. He observes each cat and watches for their natural characteristics and then incorporates their behaviors into the act for the show. Once practice is over, it’s time to eat! Each cat consumes around eight to 16 pounds of meat daily. By 10:00 a.m., it’s time to clean up, get another round of drinks and play! The cats love to play with branches, balls and water basins. During the evening, the younger cats practice. Right before bedtime, each cat gets a serving of warm milk and liver oil, which keeps their coats healthy and shiny. Alexander communicates with the cats in English and German. Each of his cats has its own unique behaviors, characteristics, body type and even sounds. Alexander knows each cat so well that he can identify the cats by listening to their roars. Not only do the cats have distinct physical differences, but their personalities are unique also. “These cats are truly a part of my family,” Alexander attests. Being raised with animals, especially big cats, all his life allowed Lacey the type of education and experience that would shape his career with passion and understanding for the big cat breeds. It is his hope that people who attend Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will focus on the brilliance of his big cats and gain an appreciation for the special bond formed out of a mutual love and respect between man and animal. “Being in America again with my family and my cats is really a dream come true for all of us,” Alexander adds. “It’s a challenge and opportunity. We love seeing the United States from coast to coast and are excited to be back and tour with The Greatest Show On Earth ® ”
The special bond between Alexander Lacey and his big cats is extraordinary and truly inspiring to witness.
— Nicole Feld, Executive Producer