Wild mammals
Australian newsreader remembered for wildlife rescue work
Tributes for the late broadcaster Richard Morecroft highlight his dedication to nursing an orphaned flying fox pup while anchoring television bulletins.
Reported by The Guardian · · 1 min read
Following the passing of former Australian television news anchor Richard Morecroft at age 70, conservationists and colleagues are celebrating his long-standing commitment to native animal welfare. Beyond his public broadcasting career, Morecroft was an active volunteer who famously helped rehabilitate an orphaned baby flying fox.
In the late 1980s, Morecroft reached out to Wires, Australia's prominent wildlife rescue organisation, offering to lend a hand. Cofounder Mikla Lewis remembered that the presenter soon took on the task of hand-raising a vulnerable young bat named Archie. The newborn required bottle-feeding, was wrapped carefully in nappies, and rested beneath Morecroft's clothing during television broadcasts to stay warm.
The rehabilitation journey became the subject of both a television documentary and a publication detailing how the pup was nurtured. During that era, native bats faced public antipathy across suburban neighbourhoods due to their noise and scent, but rescuers emphasised that habitat loss was driving colonies closer to populated zones.
Championing native species
Morecroft viewed rehabilitation as a stepping stone rather than domestic companionship. He previously explained that carers looked after infant fruit bats solely to prepare them for eventual release into local colonies, allowing them to flourish freely once again in nature.
Over the decades, the presenter continued aiding wildlife efforts by hosting charity auctions and coaching volunteers in communications. Wildlife advocates and national leaders noted that his hands-on care for native animals showed deep empathy, leaving a lasting mark on regional bat conservation and community rescue work.
