Simon Cowell (conservationist) facts for kids

Simon Maxwell Cowell (born April 19, 1952 – died June 9, 2024) was a British expert who worked to protect nature. He was also a television presenter and author. Many people knew him for hosting the TV show Wildlife SOS on Animal Planet. This show ran from 1996 to 2014.

Simon Cowell started the Wildlife Aid Foundation. This is a charity that helps British wild animals. Their goal is to "rescue, help get better, and release" animals back into nature.

Simon Cowell's Early Life and School

Simon Cowell was born on April 19, 1952. When he was young, he had a stutter. He also loved to sing. He went to a boarding school called City of London Freemen's School. There, he was part of many choirs and school plays.

Later, Simon Cowell earned a special degree called a PhD. He studied biological sciences at Jesus College, Cambridge. In the 1980s, he worked as a trader for goods like oil or metals.

Simon Cowell's Career Helping Animals

In 1983, Simon Cowell and his ex-wife, Jill, started the Wildlife Aid Foundation. This center helps rescue and care for animals. They had already set up a wildlife sanctuary at their home years before.

The work of this organization became a TV show called Wildlife SOS. Later, they also started a YouTube channel. They still release videos there today.

Simon Cowell worked hard to protect animals. He also supported groups like PETA. People often described him as a "straightforward and funny person." Actor Ricky Gervais once joked that Simon was like "David Attenborough with Tourette's."

In 2006, Simon Cowell received a special award called the Order of the British Empire. He got this award for his great "services to wildlife." As an author, he wrote a book in 2016. It was called My Wild Life: The Story of a Most Unlikely Animal Rescuer.

Simon Cowell's Personal Life

Simon Cowell had two daughters with his ex-wife, Jillian Geraldine. He lived in Leatherhead, Surrey. The Wildlife Aid Foundation was run from his home.

Health Challenges and Passing

In 1994, Simon Cowell went through a very difficult time. After this, he decided to spend "all his time" helping the Wildlife Aid charity.

In July 2022, his foundation shared some sad news. Simon Cowell had been diagnosed with a very serious form of lung cancer in June. On July 15, they started a fundraising campaign. It was called "Simon's Last Wish" to support his organization.

On May 11, 2024, it was announced that his cancer had spread. Doctors said he only had a few weeks left, even though he was still getting treatment. Simon Cowell passed away on June 9, 2024, at the age of 72.