Key Takeaways:
- Charlie, a long-haired lurcher, is the only dog currently employed for wildlife management at any New Zealand airport.
- Rotorua Airport’s bird-strike rate decreased significantly after introducing Charlie as a wildlife management tool.
- Charlie’s presence has become a model for other airports looking to improve wildlife control, with several airports seeking advice on introducing their own "dog ops" programs.
- Working dogs are proving to be a cost-effective yet invaluable addition to any airport’s arsenal of bird deterrents.
- Charlie has become a beloved member of the Rotorua Airport team and is expected to be the start of an ongoing dog ops tradition.
Introduction to Charlie’s Story
Alton, a former firefighter, adopted Charlie, a long-haired lurcher, while still working for Fire and Emergency. However, when Alton changed jobs to work at Rotorua Airport, he initially thought he would have to leave Charlie at home. Fortunately, his new manager allowed him to bring Charlie to work, and this decision would eventually lead to a significant reduction in the airport’s bird-strike rate. Rotorua Airport had one of the highest bird-strike and near-miss rates in the country, despite using various bird deterrents such as pyrotechnics, reflective spinners, and firearms.
The Bird Problem at Rotorua Airport
The airport’s location on the shores of Lake Rotorua and neighboring wetland reserves made it a haven for birds, resulting in a high number of bird strikes and near misses. The airport’s wildlife-management measures were not enough to mitigate the problem, and Alton realized that a new approach was needed. It was then that he had the idea to use Charlie, who loved chasing things, as a wildlife management tool. With the help of the airport team, Charlie was trained to chase away birds and other wildlife, and his presence on the airfield became a game-changer.
Charlie’s Training and Success
Charlie’s training began with acclimatization to the noise, movement, and environment of the airport. He was taken on long-lead walks around the property, building confidence around aircraft. The team tested his recall and worked with the control tower to develop procedures that allowed Charlie to work safely on the airfield without disrupting aircraft operations. Charlie proved to be a natural, chasing after plovers, ducks, swans, pūkeko, and even the odd hare with ease. His speed and stamina made him an effective tool for wildlife management, and the number of bird strikes at the airport decreased significantly.
The Impact of Charlie’s Absence
When Charlie took two months of sick leave, the bird-strike numbers rose again, reinforcing the idea that Charlie was a crucial part of the airport’s wildlife management team. The sound of the Polaris Ranger, the team’s dog ops vehicle, had even become associated with danger by the birds, working as a deterrent when Charlie was not on the job. This further emphasized the importance of Charlie’s role and the impact he had on the airport’s bird-strike rate.
Recognition and Legacy
Charlie’s work was recognized at the 2025 NZ Airports Association Awards, where he received a special commendation as Top Dog in Aviation. His career had turned into a "blueprint" for other airports trying to manage birds and other wildlife. The Rotorua team was approached by several airports seeking advice on how to introduce their own version of "dog ops." Charlie’s legacy continues to grow, and he is expected to be the start of an ongoing dog ops tradition at Rotorua Airport. As Alton said, "Everyone loves him," and Charlie’s presence has become an invaluable addition to the airport team.
The Future of Wildlife Management
The success of Charlie’s program has shown that working dogs can be a cost-effective yet invaluable addition to any airport’s arsenal of bird deterrents. As airports across the country face different bird and wildlife pressures, the use of working dogs like Charlie is becoming increasingly popular. The Rotorua team’s experience has provided a model for other airports to follow, and it is likely that we will see more airports introducing their own dog ops programs in the future. With Charlie leading the way, the future of wildlife management at airports looks promising, and it will be exciting to see how his legacy continues to grow.