The world's oldest known wild bird, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross named Wisdom, has recently made headlines once again by laying an egg. This significant event took place at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Pacific Ocean, where Wisdom has been observed caring for her new egg alongside a new mate.
Wisdom, who was first banded in 1956 at the age of five, has defied expectations by living far beyond the average lifespan of her species, which typically ranges from 12 to 40 years. Throughout her life, she has successfully raised over 30 chicks, and this latest egg marks her first in four years. Experts are hopeful that it will hatch within the next couple of months, potentially bringing her chick count to around 30 again.
Her remarkable journey began when she was tagged with the identification number Z333. Since then, she has outlived at least three partners and continues to return to her nesting site every year. The last time she successfully raised a chick was in 2021, after which her long-time mate Akeakamai has not been seen for several years.
Upon returning to Midway Atoll on November 26, Wisdom quickly established a bond with a new partner, with whom she has been seen nurturing their egg. This relationship is particularly noteworthy as albatrosses typically mate for life but will seek new partners if their mate disappears.
Scientists have expressed immense joy at Wisdom's continued ability to reproduce at such an advanced age. Jon Plissner, a supervisory wildlife biologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, remarked on her extraordinary resilience against environmental threats such as climate change and pollution which have increasingly impacted seabird populations.
As researchers continue to monitor Wisdom's progress, they estimate that she has flown over 3 million miles throughout her lifetime—an equivalent distance to flying to the moon and back six times. Her story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife in today's changing environment.
In conclusion, Wisdom's recent achievement of laying another egg at the age of 74 not only highlights her incredible longevity but also raises hopes for the future of her species amidst growing environmental concerns.
SHE DID IT AGAIN!
— USFWS Pacific (@USFWSPacific) 2024å¹´12月3æ—¥
Wisdom, the world’s oldest known wild bird, is back with a new partner and just laid yet another egg.
At an approximate age of 74, the queen of seabirds returned to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge last week and began interacting with a male. pic.twitter.com/6qomvs0rKL
