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Concept
Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente
Summary
Félix Samuel Rodríguez de la Fuente (March 14, 1928 – March 14, 1980) was a Spanish naturalist and broadcaster. He is best known for the highly successful and influential TV 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 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 the day he turned 52, 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.
Félix Samuel Rodríguez de la Fuente was born in Poza de la Sal (Burgos, Spain) on March 14, 1928. He was the son of Samuel Rodríguez and Marcelina de la Fuente Ibáñez. He had a younger sister, Mercedes. His father was the town notary, and avid reader and a lover of the Spanish language. His household was somewhat intellectual for a small Castillian village.
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