Those who truly appreciate wildlife understand that it's our job as humans to work to protect it. No one understood this message more than Jim Fowler, zoologist and co-host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.

Fowler had spent years working hard to help introduce the public to wild animals. The zoologist appeared in programs like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and took time to speak to children to help people understand that some animals weren't always like the frightening beasts they were portrayed to be in film and television.

"We are developing a fear of animals, because we don't grow up on farms anymore, and we don't have a connection with them," said Fowler during an interview with Newsday. "We've got to learn to replace fear with knowledge. TV shows about animals attacking people make us think that it's not important for there to be alligators and other such creatures. I've been all around the world, and I think there are maybe three animals left on this planet that still have human beings for lunch without being provoked - some sharks, polar bears, and saltwater crocodiles. The challenge today is to make people care about wildlife and the outdoors."

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Fowler also stressed the importance of ensuring that the animals we knew and loved had a home to return to.

"It's important to keep open space for animals and wildlife and keep the wilderness intact," said Fowler. We need more than concrete spaces in zoos."

Fowler made it his life's mission to educate others, specifically those of our younger generation, who would hopefully pick up the baton after he left it behind. "If you fear [something], you are less likely to care about saving it," said Fowler during an interview with the Journal Gazette and Times-Courier. "Someone told me that I teach kids not to fear animals, and I guess that's right."