He expected the long-haired lurcher would eventually accompany him there until a job at Rotorua Airport changed his career path. But having only just adopted Charlie, Alton arranged with his new manager to bring the pup along. In his new job, Alton realised how significant the airport’s bird problem was. Rotorua Airport’s Ben Alton with his dog Charlie, the only canine currently employed for wildlife management at any New Zealand airport. Charlie, Rotorua Airport’s “Head of Dog Ops”, has become a model for other airports looking to improve wildlife control.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 25, 2025 04:34 UTC