About the Avian Empire flock
Dr. Sam Hurley BSc, BVSc, MAHM
Sam, co-founder of Avian Empire and the Little Green Bird Conservation Trust, is a veterinarian with a deep passion for birds and their ecosystems.
Originally from the forests of British Columbia, Canada, Sam began his journey studying wildlife ecology before moving to New Zealand to complete his veterinary training and later earning a master’s in avian medicine. His diverse background spans agriculture, animal welfare, poultry medicine, entomology, and integrated pest management.
Sam brings a strong, hands-on understanding of avian health and continues to work closely with a wide variety of bird species. He has a particular interest in health surveillance and its role in protecting both wild and domestic bird populations.
Driven by a commitment to evidence-based care and long-term conservation, Sam is passionate about restoring native habitats and helping Aotearoa’s birdlife thrive—combining science, compassion, and a lifelong love of animals.
Jemma McLean BDes.(Hons)
Jemma, co-founder of Avian Empire and the Little Green Bird Conservation Trust, has dedicated her life to the care and protection of birds across Aotearoa.
With a lifelong soft spot for birds, Jemma 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 feathered companions.
Jemma also holds a degree in design, which she has used to brand and build the online presence for both Avian Empire and the Little Green Bird Conservation Trust. She is the creative force behind the development of Avian Empire’s specialist product range, blending practical knowledge with thoughtful design to meet the unique needs of bird keepers across New Zealand.
Through the founding of the Little Green Bird Conservation Trust, Jemma has extended her work into the wild—championing rewilding efforts and the creation of safe, predator-free habitats where native birds can thrive. Her mission is grounded in practical care, education, and a vision of a wilder, safer future for Aotearoa’s birdlife.