The Wildlife Aid Foundation, which Cowell created, claimed that he “passed away peacefully” on Sunday, surrounded by his daughters, partners, and dogs, following a “brave battle with cancer”.
The foundation paid tribute to him, describing him as “one of the UK’s respected conservationists” and a “passionate advocate for environmental causes and wildlife protection.”
It claimed he “dedicated his life to British wildlife” and “worked tirelessly” to provide rescued, medically treated, and rehabilitated injured and orphaned animals with a second shot at life in the wild.
“He campaigned relentlessly to raise awareness of the plight of wildlife and the importance of all species,” the organization stated.
The Wildlife Aid Foundation claimed in a statement that Cowell began saving and rehabilitating animals in his house and yard in the early 1980s as a “distraction” from his work as a London broker.
Later, his pastime turned into a full-time career, and in 1987 he founded the Wildlife Aid Foundation, which is now the Wildlife Aid charity.
In addition to appearing on Animal Planet on Discovery in the 1990s, Cowell was well-known for developing and hosting the Channel 5 television series Wildlife SOS.
