Dr. Harding is Jurassic Park's chief veterinarian. In the novel, he had been the chief of veterinary medicine for the San Diego Zoo, and was the world's leading expert on avian care. He accepted the job at Jurassic Park because he wanted to become famous for writing the first textbook on the care of dinosaurs. When the group first encounters him, he is caring for an ill "Stegosaurus". With the help of Ellie, he finds the source of the animal's sickness and is able to treat it. Being the only medical doctor on the island, he treats Malcolm's injuries. He is attacked by a "Velociraptor" during the assault on the Visitor Center, but ultimately survives his time on the island. It is implied in the second novel that Sarah Harding is his daughter.