Staff from Kadoori Farm with Gary & Ashley and Gary Ades, Head of Fauna Conservation at Kadoori Farm

Kadoori Farm staff with birds under training

Ashley and Gary travelled to Kadoori Conservation Park in Hong Kong for 2 weeks. The purpose of the trip was to train staff at the centre to be able to provide a flying demonstration, using birds that have been brought into the centre. Kadoori farm receives a wide range of animals and birds, most of which they return back to the wild. Some, however, would not be able to survive in the wild, and the staff were shown how to identify birds that could be flown in an educational display to promote the work of the centre. Over a two week period, staff were taught how to handle, train and fly birds, as well as improving their demonstration skills. Areas such as designs of aviaries and flying arenas were also covered as well as bird husbandry, first aid and equipment making. By the end of the two weeks staff had 6 birds flying free. In September of this year one member of Kadoori Farm staff will visit the Trust to continue his training, and it is hoped that staff will return to Hong Kong to review the progress of the display and offer recommendations for the future.

The first Members' Night of the year, and the damp weather conditions did not put off an unexpected number of members from arriving on the night. As normal the wine flowed and everyone enjoyed the competitions and raffle. The evening gave the chance for the new members of staff and birds to take part in their first display in front of an audience. Sam gave a talk on his work with Nigel Lewis on Barn owl conservation projects, and Campbell brought everyone up to date on his recent visit to Pakistan and the progress on the vulture recovery centre.

Ashley and Chairman of Trustees Marion Paviour visited the Houses of Parliament to attend a parliamentary reception organized by BIAZA to promote the work of zoological collections. The Trust was delighted that their MP, Sir George Young, was able to attend the event and help promote the work of the Trust

The delivery of corporate room and outside balcony furniture arrived, allowing the work on the corporate room to be completed.

Gartner UK held a Corporate event featuring a morning meeting and afternoon hands-on activity sessions for all attendees.
Volunteer Lou Ritchie attended Wolverdene Special School with Chestnut the Tawny Owl.