Wisdom the Laysan albatross holds the distinguished title of being the oldest known wild bird at the remarkable age of 74. Far from slowing down, she remains energetically involved in her role as a parent. This year, she laid a new egg at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii, showcasing that she continues to thrive despite her advanced years. The announcement of her egg was shared by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service on social media, expressing excitement with a jubilant proclamation that “She did it again!” This highlights Wisdom’s role as a resilient and integral part of her species, demonstrating that aging does not inhibit one’s ability to contribute to family and community.
Wisdom is a migratory seabird that, along with her fellow Laysan albatrosses, returns to Midway Atoll every fall to breed, typically around Thanksgiving. She was originally banded by biologists in 1956 after laying an egg, allowing experts to track her lifespan and breeding patterns over the decades. The approximate age given to her suggests she was already at least five years old when banded, as this species does not breed until that age. Dubbed “Z333,” Wisdom is credited with having produced around 60 eggs and an impressive count of up to 30 chicks that have successfully fledged, showcasing her vital role in the continuation of her species.
The recent egg laid by Wisdom marks the first in a four-year span since the passing of her long-time mate, Akeakamai. Following Akeakamai’s disappearance, Wisdom found a new partner, signifying a significant transition in her life after decades with a different mate. This new relationship includes the added dynamic of shared responsibilities in raising their offspring, a customary ritual among Laysan albatross pairs. Videos shared by the USFWS depict the pair’s interactions and reinforce hope for the successful hatching of the egg, which brings a renewed sense of joy and optimism to the Midway Atoll wildlife team.
At the Midway Atoll, Wisdom and her partner are among a vast colony of over a million albatrosses that utilize this locale to hatch and nurture their young. The primary diet of these seabirds consists of squid, fish, and crustaceans, reflecting their adaptability and resourcefulness within their marine ecosystem. Nevertheless, the albatrosses confront numerous challenges that jeopardize their survival, including pollution, invasive species, and collisions with human-made structures and aircraft. Climate change stands as a significant threat, as rising sea levels and intensified storms pose risks to the fragile nesting colonies situated on low-lying atolls.
The Laysan albatross is currently classified as “near threatened” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. This status indicates that while they are not yet endangered, they are on a precarious trajectory towards vulnerability. The IUCN estimates the mature population of this species at approximately 1.6 million individuals, with Wisdom standing out as the most notable among them. Her longstanding journey and remarkable resilience in the face of adversity highlight the importance of conservation efforts aimed at protecting these magnificent birds and their habitats.
In the event that Wisdom’s egg hatches, she and her mate will face a busy season of parenthood, involving responsibilities that require careful incubation of the egg over a period of months. The expected timeframe suggests that by early 2025, the outcome of their nurturing efforts will be revealed, and the new chick will typically be ready to venture out independently by July. Wisdom’s incredible life story, extending well beyond the average lifespan for wild birds, not only underscores her remarkable adaptability but also brings attention to the broader issues affecting avian species today. As she continues her legacy, Wisdom brings hope and inspiration to wildlife conservation efforts, making her return to Midway Atoll and her new egg a joyous and memorable occasion.
