Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente

Félix Samuel Rodríguez de la Fuente (14 March 1928 – 14 March 1980) was a Spanish naturalist and broadcaster. He is best known for the highly successful and influential television series El Hombre y la Tierra (1974–1980). A graduate in medicine and self-taught in biology, he was a multifaceted charismatic figure whose influence has endured despite the passing years.

In 1960, he became one of King Saud of Arabia's personal falconers after impressing the Saudi Government with two attractive specimens on behalf of Francisco Franco, which allowed him to become popular and produce his first documentary programme, Señores del espacio (1965). His knowledge covered areas such as falconry and ethology, emphasizing the study of wolves. Rodríguez de la Fuente also served as expedition guide and photographer on safaris in Africa, lecturer and writer, and contributed greatly to environmental awareness in Spain at a time when Conservationism was unheard of in the country. He has thus been credited as "the father of environmentalism" in Spain. His impact was not only national but also international and it is estimated that his television programmes, which were broadcast in many countries, have been seen by millions.

He died in Alaska on his 52nd birthday, while shooting a documentary about the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, when the Cessna 185 aircraft carrying him along with two Spanish cameramen and the American pilot crashed, killing all on board.

After his death, Spanish singing duet Enrique y Ana recorded the single “Amigo Felix” (Our Friend Felix) to pay homage to Rodriguez, the song is about all the members of the Animal Kingdom grieving his death, as a representation of his love for animals and all Nature.