Ireland's Animal Rights Action Network said today that Simon is paying for Benjy's transportation to an animal sanctuary in England. Simon, who is battling colon cancer, has been giving away much of the fortune from his television career and is a leading donor to animal welfare causes.
Benjy, a Charlerois bull, failed this year to impregnate any heifers at a County Mayo farm in western Ireland.
Veterinarians determined he was fertile, but was more attracted to the bull that replaced him.
Simon, who funds a Malibu dog shelter and many other animal rights projects, said he heard about Benjy's case through friends at the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals pressure group. He said he was happy to donate the full original cash target to buy Benjy and ship him to England.
ARAN campaigns director John Carmody said Simon and other donors were buying the bull "a one-way ticket to freedom.