Wildlife work rewarded with Pride of Australia award nomination for Macarthur volunteer

The Macarthur region’s resident wildlife warrior Ricardo Lonza has been nominated for a Pride of Australia award for his environmental work.

Wildlife lover and volunteer animal rescuer Ricardo Lonza has been nominated for a Pride of Australia award. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

The Macarthur region’s resident wildlife warrior Ricardo Lonza has been nominated for a Pride of Australia award for his environmental work.

The Ruse resident is a wildlife rescuer with WIRES, the founder of the Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown group and also contested the Campbelltown Council election as an independent candidate.

He and his wife Carla-Maree also campaigned for koala crossing signs across the district in a bid to curb the escalating road kill statistics.

Ricardo Lonza frees a koala that had been in care.

Mr Lonza said his work with wildlife first started when he sighted koala Alexis at Smith Creek Reserve a few years ago.

Initially surprised to find a koala so close to home, Mr Lonza said he never imagined he would soon become the go-to man on koala rescue in Campbelltown.

“I went from not knowing there were koala’s in the area to being the person everyone asked for information on koalas,” he said. “When I saw Alexis I fell in love with koala’s immediately and ever since then I’ve just noticed the amount of trees getting cut down and the amount of roadkill.

“I just want to protect our wildlife and bushlands as much as possible.

“I understand we need to develop but we need to make sure we do it the right way.”

Ricardo Lonza in bushland off Nymboida Crescent, Ruse. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

Mr Lonza said another of his goals was to spread information about wildlife in the Macarthur region, improve awareness and education and get more residents involved in environmental protection.

“I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing and protect and rescue as much wildlife and bushland in the area as possible,” he said. “I’ll keep fighting and never give up.”

You can nominate someone who has inspired you through their dedication, initiative, courage or acts of charity. They can be a neighbour, friend, team mate, colleague or family member. For more information and to nominate somebody, click here