Gavin Harrison Email & Phone Number

Waddesdon Manor Aviary

The Aviary houses a specialised collection of predominately soft-bill species, as well as a few rare species of pigeons, doves, partridge and pheasant. The focus, where possible, is on species with real conservation value and the majority of species come from South East Asia with this region being under great pressure and many species being pushed to extinction extremely rapidly. The facility is made up of both on show and off show breeding aviaries with the emphasis being placed on breeding. Two species held within the collection the Rothschild's Peacock Pheasant and Rothschild's Mynah were both described by Sir Walter Rothschild so the aviary has a unique connection with these species.Waddesdon aviaries has a reputation for successful captive breeding of many species including a number of first breeding's. The collection also supports field conservation. One such project includes field study and conservation management in Jianxi Province in South Eastern China, led by Professor He Fen-qi from the institute of Zoology in Beijing, for the critically endangered Blue-crowned Laughingthrush. Waddesdon aviaries also supports the captive breeding programme on Java at Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Centre, for the extremely rare Black-winged starling and Black and White Laughingthrush from Sumatra. In 2005, possibly for the first time in the world in captivity, this species was bred at Waddesdon.In 2013 responsible for the first UK rearing of a Javan Banded Pitta.Since 2014 EAZA ESB Coordinator for the Rothschild's peacock-pheasant, Polyplectron inopinatum.In 2016 assisted with field surveys for Superb Pitta (Rothschild described species) in Manus island Rothschild Foundation funded project carried out by World Conservation Society (WCS).Since 2016 EAZA ESB coordinator for Malayan peacock-pheasant, P malacense. Since 2018 EAZA ESB Coordinator for Fischer’s turaco, Turaco Fischeri. Since 2021 member of the Peacock-pheasant Focus Group EAZA/WPA/AZA.

Waddesdon Manor Aviaries

Edinburgh Zoo, United Kingdom

Heading up Bird Section comprising 11 core staff and 50 avian species (350 individuals) including the largest penguin colony in Europe. Team management responsibilities in this supervisory role including in charge of Animal Department on a rotation basis. Responsible for section organisation e.g. stock sheet, staff rota, wage sheets, disciplinary action, staff training, daily section meetings, aid in new staff appointments. Primary responsibility for production of highly successful breeding seasons, particularly in 2009 and 2010 (13 species not bred previously at Edinburgh Zoo), across a wide range of taxa (15 orders). Breeding successes included difficult species such as Chilean flamingo, Blue-crowned laughingthrush, Von der Decken’s hornbill, Socorro dove, vulturine guineafowl, ocellated turkey and Great Argus pheasant (set up latter sp. pair and designed new aviary to achieve this). This also involved leading section artificial incubation and hand-rearing and training the team in these procedures. Participated in artificial insemination of Northern Rockhopper penguin with Veterinary team. Trained in avian post-mortem procedures, including organ sampling techniques, and avian faecal sample analysis. European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) monitor for Lady Ross’s turaco - creation of (5) new pairs within European collections and successful breeding of the species, including artificial incubation and hand-rearing of 2.1 in 2010.RZSS Native Species Group (crossbill project in collaboration with RSPB), Nutrition Focus Group (recommend diets for range of species) and Firearms Team Member (trained to respond during animal escapes including anaesthesia by dart). Presented at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Working Group meetings on UK Overseas Territories Project in Falkland Islands and Tristan da Cunha, including penguin & striated caracara surveys ('09), and artificial incubation & hand-rearing of vulturine guineafowl ('10).

Edinburgh Zoo, United Kingdom

Responsible for day- to- day animal care within the Bird Section team. All keeper- related duties including promoting captive breeding, monitoring health, such as administering medication (including via IM & SC injections) and relevant paperwork. Trained in health & safety, team-working, customer service, disability discrimination.

Henderson Island, South Pacific

Seconded by RZSS as Aviculturist for Henderson Island Restoration Project led by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and assigned position of Team Leader on Island for the Project for last few months (Oct-Dec). Responsible for capture and holding of 84 wild Henderson rail, as well as radio tagging and tracking free living birds, during rat eradication on the Island. Key role in achieving world first captive breeding of the Henderson rail. As Team Leader, made decisions on care of captive rail and subsequent release plans including liaising via satellite conference call with Project Leaders at RSPB HQ in England, and organised day to day tasks, allocating roles for field work operations. Prepared recommended medication and dietary supplements with Simon Girling (RZSS Veterinary Surgeon) prior to departure and, on island, was responsible for assessing health status of captive birds, responding with medical treatment as required (administered Vitamin K treatment for rail toxicity cases), conducting faecal analysis and post mortem examinations. Furthered scientific knowledge of Henderson bird species by collecting and logging biometric data and running surveys (point count and transect) of resident species. Also ran a brodifacoum persistence testing in invertebrates study. Contributing to project related publications (Henderson rail husbandry and management) with Dr. Richard Cuthbert, RSPB (Principal Conservation Scientist) and Dr. Mike Brooke, Cambridge University. See for project info: http://www.rspb.org.uk/media/releases/300136-rspb-restoring-an-island-paradise-by-removing-rats.

In collaboration with Falklands Conservation (FC), aided Robin Woods (previously UK Chairman of Falklands Conservation) and team in surveying numerous islands off West Falkland, finding and recording striated caracara pairs and nests. Presented on the findings of the 2006 striated caracara census within the Falkland Islands.at Falklands Conservation General Meeting 2009.

Canna, Scotland Uk

In partnership with the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), participated in the project by removing a population of Canna wood mice for holding at Edinburgh Zoo for the duration of brown rat eradication. Involved catch and removal of Canna mice from Canna (’05), and successful reintroduction of mice to Canna following rat eradication completion (’06).

Sundridge Uk

Responsible for care and management of a large range of exotic bird species, including breeding of rare psittacine species such as hyacinth macaw and palm cockatoo through artificial incubation and hand-rearing.

Bachelor Of Science (B.Sc.), Animal Welfare And Management

Foundation Science Degree, Zoo Resource Management

FdSc Zoo Resource Management

Advanced National Certificate, Zoo Animal Management