About the Avian Empire flock
Dr Sam Hurley
Sam, co-founder of Avian Empire and The Avian Empire Charitable Trust, is a veterinarian with a deep passion for birds and the ecosystems they depend on. Originally from the forests of British Columbia, Canada, Sam began his journey studying wildlife ecology before moving to New Zealand to complete his veterinary degree and later earning a master’s in avian medicine. His broad background spans agriculture, animal welfare, poultry medicine, entomology, and integrated pest management, giving him a holistic understanding of avian health from both clinical and ecological perspectives.
Sam brings extensive hands-on experience working with a wide range of bird species, from backyard flocks to native wildlife. He has a particular interest in disease surveillance and how it can be used to protect both wild and domestic populations.
Through The Avian Empire Charitable Trust, Sam is helping lead the development of New Zealand’s first fully not-for-profit avian hospital in Auckland, a dedicated facility designed to provide expert veterinary care for pet, wild, and rehabilitating birds, while offering training opportunities for future avian veterinarians. His work is guided by evidence-based medicine, practical conservation, and a lifelong dedication to improving the welfare and survival of Aotearoa’s birdlife.
Jemma McLean
Jemma, co-founder of Avian Empire and The Avian Empire Charitable Trust, has dedicated her life to the care and protection of birds across Aotearoa. With a lifelong soft spot for all feathered creatures, she has spent years rescuing, rehabilitating, and raising both native and introduced species. Her deep, hands-on experience in avian health and welfare, combined with a warm, community-focused approach, inspired her to create a service that offers expert, compassionate support for people and their birds.
Alongside her veterinary background, Jemma holds a degree in design, which she has used to build the visual identity and online presence for both Avian Empire and The Avian Empire Charitable Trust. She is also the creative force behind Avian Empire’s specialist product range, blending practical knowledge with thoughtful design to meet the unique needs of bird keepers across New Zealand.
Through founding The Avian Empire Charitable Trust, Jemma has extended her mission beyond individual care and into conservation, championing rewilding efforts, education, and the creation of safe, predator-free environments where native birds can thrive. Under the Trust, she is now leading the development of New Zealand’s first fully not-for-profit avian hospital in Auckland, a dedicated facility that will provide expert veterinary care for pet, wild, and rehabilitating birds alike.
Her work is grounded in practical care, education, and a vision of a healthier, more connected future for Aotearoa’s birdlife.
