Actress Nikki Rodriguez on the importance of conservation
In honor of World Wildlife Day, we had a conversation with WWF supporter, Nikki Rodriguez, about her passion for conservation. Nikki is an actress best known for her lead role in Netflix’s series My Life with the Walter Boys.
© Nikki Rodriguez
Our well-being is deeply tied to the natural world. How do you personally experience that connection in your daily life? How does nature inspire you?
I feel that connection in really simple ways. I love to go on long walks and hikes. I particularly love to be surrounded by trees. Even just hearing birds in the morning makes me feel more grounded. When I spend time outside, I feel calmer and more clear-headed. It reminds me that we’re not separate from nature, we’re part of it.
Nature inspires me because of how resilient it is. Even after damage, it finds ways to grow back. That balance and quiet strength really motivate me to care about protecting it.
Why are you passionate about wildlife conservation?
I’m passionate about conservation because I think humans are meant to coexist with wildlife and the planet. Every species plays a role, even the ones we don’t fully understand. Losing them isn’t just sad, it’s dangerous for the balance of our ecosystems.
I also think animals deserve protection simply because they exist. They don’t need to benefit us to matter. Protecting wildlife feels like the right thing to do.
© Nikki Rodriguez
What’s one conservation issue you think deserves more attention?
Habitat loss. We don’t always talk enough about how much land is being cleared or developed every day. When animals lose their habitats, they lose everything: food, shelter, safety.
Protecting and restoring natural spaces seems like one of the most direct ways we can actually make a difference.
Is there a species you think is misunderstood?
Opossums! I think opossums are super misunderstood. A lot of people see them as scary or aggressive, but they’re actually really harmless and surprisingly helpful. They rarely carry rabies, and when they feel threatened, they “play dead” instead of attacking.
They also eat ticks and other pests, which makes them important for the ecosystem. I think a lot of fear comes from misunderstanding, and if more people understood their role, they’d see how important they are.
Do you think film and TV have a role to play in wildlife conservation?
Definitely. Storytelling is powerful. Film and TV shape how we see the world. When people watch documentaries or even fictional stories that highlight nature, it can create an emotional connection.
There’s so much nature and wildlife in our show, and not only is it a beautiful place to film, it also adds so much to the story.
When you look at the challenges facing our wildlife and natural world, what gives you hope?
What gives me hope is how many people genuinely care. There’s more awareness now than ever before, and people are speaking up, supporting conservation efforts, and making lifestyle changes.
We’ve also seen real success stories where species have recovered because of protection efforts. That proves that when we take action, it works. It reminds me that even though the challenges are serious, it’s not hopeless.
How you can help
© WWF-US/Clay Bolt
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