Simon King
Simon King OBE is an acclaimed wildlife filmmaker, photographer, and broadcaster whose work has inspired generations to connect with the natural world. Born in Nairobi in 1962, his childhood instilled in him a lifelong passion for animals and landscapes.
From his earliest on-screen roles to becoming a leading voice in wildlife media, King has dedicated his career to bringing nature’s stories to millions. His engaging style and deep knowledge have made him one of the most recognisable figures in natural history programming.
King began working in television at the age of ten, appearing in wildlife dramas before moving behind the camera to direct his first BBC documentary, The Willow, in 1984. Over the decades, he has contributed to more than eighty natural history productions as cameraman, director, producer, and presenter. His credits include Big Cat Diary, Springwatch, Autumnwatch, Wild Africa, Planet Earth, The Blue Planet, and the Disney feature African Cats.
His skill in capturing intimate animal behaviour has earned international recognition, including BAFTAs, Emmys, and the Royal Geographical Society’s Cherry Kearton Award. In 2010, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to wildlife and broadcasting, followed by an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society in 2011.
Alongside his television work, King is a passionate conservationist and educator. In Somerset, he established the Simon King Wildlife Project, transforming land into a thriving reserve with meadows, wetlands, and habitats for endangered species. The project combines practical conservation with live-streaming cameras and educational materials, enabling audiences to learn from real-time encounters with wildlife.
He has served as President of the Wildlife Trusts, is an ambassador for the Woodland Trust, and supports organisations including the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and the Tusk Trust. His guidance on BBC’s Wild Isles, presented by Sir David Attenborough, reaffirmed his position at the heart of natural history storytelling.
Beyond television, he leads wildlife tours through Simon King Wildlife Travel, sharing his expertise directly with enthusiasts in the field. His ability to combine artistry with conservation advocacy continues to bridge the gap between science and public engagement.
Simon King OBE is a renowned wildlife filmmaker, photographer, and presenter whose work spans over eighty productions, including Big Cat Diary, Planet Earth, and African Cats. Awarded an OBE in 2010 and an Honorary Fellowship of the RPS in 2011, his achievements include BAFTAs and Emmys. Founder of the Simon King Wildlife Project in Somerset, he combines conservation with education and outreach. King continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his films, photography, and guided tours, making wildlife storytelling both accessible and impactful.
Awards & Honours
• Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) – 2010 New Year Honours, for services to wildlife filming and conservation
• Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society (HonFRPS) – 2011
• BAFTA – multiple awards for natural history productions
• Emmy Award – for cinematography in landmark BBC series
• Royal Geographical Society’s Cherry Kearton Medal and Award – for outstanding contribution to wildlife imagery
• Royal Television Society Awards – recognition for excellence in wildlife broadcasting