Standing at the top of Smithsonian Conservation Biological Institute in Virgina, there is one feeling that washes over me, as the rain starts to pour. It's that this place is a very strong reminder of home.
The enclosed facility in the town of Front Royal is surrounded by acres of lush farmland, and the crisp fresh air is a sure sign I'm nowhere near my apartment back in New York.
It's the sort of environment that washes the stress off your back; especially after travelling from Baltimore where Dan Pannett (Newshub Camera Operator) and I had been covering the devastating bridge collapse that day.
We arrived in Virginia to learn about the Smithsonian's kiwi programme, and to see how the team their cares for our national bird.
As we approach the birds' lodgings, I can't help but smile when seeing the plaque on the wall giving the building its name - "Kiwi Flats".
As the door swings open, we're greeted by large maps of New Zealand adorning the walls, highlighting kiwi conservation efforts back home. In the corners of the room are a small desk, kiwi ornaments, and a kiwi skeleton. It felt both unusual and delightful seeing these reminders.
Wesley Bailey has cared for the Smithsonian kiwi for the last nine years. I can't help but question why someone is so interested in this bird, that they would want to dedicate a large portion of their career to caring for it. Wesley tells me it's the fact kiwi are slightly 'unusual' that has kept him interested.
"They're a delightful little bird. They are kind of weird in that they break a lot of standards and expectations you would see in other birds".
The Smithsonian are no strangers to kiwi, the first pair they received was from Prime Minister Keith Holyoake back in 1968. Seven years later it became the first institute outside of New Zealand to breed kiwi chicks. They currently care for twelve, and assist breeding kiwi in other zoos around the world.
During our visit, we deployed a night vision camera to the kiwi feeding area, hoping we would see one when watching our footage back. Unfortunately, the nocturnal animals had other ideas, waiting until we had left to have their dinner.
Wesley wasn't willing to pull a kiwi out of its pen for us to film, which I admired. I couldn't help in comparing this operation to Miami Zoo, which enraged the New Zealand public last year with its "Kiwi Experience", in which the public were invited to hold kiwi for NZ$40. While the Smithsonian wouldn't comment on that example, Wesley did offer some insight into why he's committed to their conservation.
"These animals don't really have a voice, so it's nice to do your best to give them a voice and advocate for them", he says.
The kiwi in Virginia aren't on show to the public here, but some do have an unexpected connection to Aotearoa. The Smithsonian Insititute has played a role in a feather repatriation programme. In recent years, molted feathers have been sent back to New Zealand for weavers making Kahu kiwi cloaks.
"It's really cool to see a culture that still incorporates the entire rest of the world, so that's really nice," Bailey says.
The Smithsonian says it's looking forward to caring for kiwi for years to come. It's ensuring our birds are taken care of 14,000 kilometers from home.
