| Wildlife SOS | |
|---|---|
| Format | Reality television |
| Created by | Simon Cowell Stephen Fry |
| Developed by | Jason Giberti Jim Incledon |
| Directed by | Jim Incledon |
| Starring | Simon Cowell |
| Narrated by | Simon Cowell |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Simon Cowell Ben Kelly Mark Wild |
| Location(s) | Wildlife Aid, Leatherhead, Surrey |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Face Productions Wild Productions |
| Distributor | Discovery Communications |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | Animal Planet Channel 5 ITV London ITV Meridian |
| Picture format | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Original run | 1996 – 2007 |
| External links | |
| Website | |
Wildlife SOS is a TV show on Animal Planet, based in the UK's Wildlife Aid in Leatherhead, Surrey. The show has been running since 1996 and produced by Simon Cowell's Wild Productions. And can be found on Animal Planet, DMAX and Channel 5 (relative to May 2009). It is run almost completely by volunteers. Whilst Simon (founder of the charity) is often wandering around the British country side, rescuing injured, sick or orphaned wildlife, other volunteers are usually at the hospital treating and raising patients, so they can be ready to be released back into the wild.[1]
In 1996, following a fire that destroyed one third of the hospital complex, Cowell found his organisation reliant on media attention for its continued survival. Cowell was approached by representatives of the newly formed Animal Planet channel to produce a television series chronicling the drama of life in the wildlife rescue facility. The show experienced long-term success; it has been cited as "the longest-running animal rescue TV series" and continues to broadcast on Animal Planet, and various other channels owned by Discovery Communications. The centre is run by donations from the public. And has an annual open day every year.[2]
Wild Productions are the Official makers of Wildlife SOS, and have an important role with the filming of Wildlife SOS. Wild Productions are run by Simon Cowell MBE.