Brader, Kathleen
Former Avian Keeper
Background And Education
Awards And Honors
- Lifetime Achievement , conferred by National Chapter American Association of Zoo Keepers , 2017
- Honorary Member of Order of Merit, conferred by Goverment of New Zealand, 2013
- Plume Award for Individual Achievement, conferred by Association of Zoos and Aquariums
- Certificate of Merit in Conservation, conferred by National Chapter American Association of Zoo Keepers
- Outstanding Recognition in Journalisim for Captive Breeding of White-backed mousebird, conferred by National Chapter American Association of Zoo Keepers
Research And Grants
Research Overview
- Currently collaborating with SCBI staff on a cortisol study on kiwi to look at stress levels in different scenarios , mostly at program kiwi but not limited to those kiwi
Other Research Activities
- Indepth study of where kiwi preferences in weather, cold, hot, etc Assisitng staff at SCBI
Publications
Selected Publications
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Academic Article
- Discussion of Nocturnal Lighting for kiwi. Amercian Association of Zookeepers. 2016
- Kiwi:Captive and in the Wild. American Association of Zookeepers Journal. 2005
- New Zealand Aotearoa-Land of the long white cloud. American Association of Zookeepers Journal. 2005
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Article
- Brader, Kathleen, Prado, Natalia A., Brown, Janine L., Kearney, Mary, Boisseau, Nicole, Ware, Lisa, Delaski, Kristina M., and Bailey, Wesley. 2025. "Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Responses of Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) to Ambassador Program Participation and Translocation: Implications for Captive Management and Welfare." Animals, 15, (8). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15081156. 2025
- Wesley, K. B. and Brader, Kathleen. 2014. "Video-graphic study of the behaviour of juvenile Brown kiwi Apteryx mantelli females at Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington, DC." International Zoo Yearbook, 48, (1) 128–138. https://doi.org/10.1111/izy.12034. 2014
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Conference Paper
- It takes a community to save a species. American Association of Zookeepers. 2017
- Captive breeding of White-backed Mousebird. American Associaton of Zookeepers. 1993
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Conference Poster
- The Past The Present and the Future of Brown Kiwi. International Symposium Breeding Birds in Captivity Toronto Canada. 2007
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Database
Activities
Teaching Overview
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Created and taught a Meet a Kiwi for the Smithsonian National Zoo. This was the first of its kind for kiwi outside of New Zealand in the world. This program ran three times a week, 52 weeks a year from 1989 to 2017 at the Bird House until the bird house was closed for renovation. We also offered this program for VIP, the New Zealand Embassy and staff, different college courses would request a in-depth program for various students.
Kiwi are typically not used for education program animals, so this is has been a trail blazing effort on the Smithsonian's part.
Professional Service Activities
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums Studbook Keeper for Brown Kiwi for NAM/EU
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums Chairperson for Species Survival Plan for Brown Kiwi
Outreach And Community Service Activities
- National Maori Weavers and Department of Conservation New Zealand Collect, sort and bring Kiwi feathers collected at zoos outside of New Zealand to be returned back for weaving projects and repair work
