{
  "id": 13493228,
  "title": "Archie the flying fox joined Richard Morecroft behind the news desk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/archie-the-flying-fox-joined-richard-morecroft-behind-the-news-desk",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T18:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-11/late-richard-morecroft-foster-journey-with-flying-fox-archie/107240086"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran news presenter Richard Morecroft, who passed away at 70, often shared his work desk with a furry companion named Archie. The baby grey-headed flying fox joined Morecroft during particular late 1987 news broadcasts. Initially believed to be male, Archie was named after the presenter and under a handkerchief until Morecroft's training with Wildlife Information and Rescue Service (WIRES) course. Archie's story was documented in a 30-minute Wildscreen episode, titled Raising Archie, by ABC TV's natural history unit. Archie's foster parent, Morecroft, shared updates on the young flying fox's progress, including grooming sessions and feeding routines. WIRES founder Mikla Lewis recalled being surprised by Morecroft's decision to take in the orphaned animal, highlighting the presenter's dedication and affection for Archie. Bats like Archie, however, are no longer kept by carers for as long thanks to advances in medical knowledge and technology.",
  "summary": "Late veteran presenter Richard Morecroft is best known for his decades of news reading, but unbeknownst to viewers, he was sometimes joined at the desk by a furry companion.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}