The legendary Wisdom bird, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross and the world’s oldest known wild bird, has amazed wildlife enthusiasts by laying her 60th egg at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the northwestern Hawaiian Archipelago. This marks her first egg in four years, a testament to her incredible longevity and resilience.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Pacific Region celebrated the milestone on Facebook, sparking a wave of admiration from fans and conservationists.
Wisdom’s Remarkable Journey
- First tagged in 1956, Wisdom was already an adult at the time, making her at least 74 years old now.
- Since 2006, she has returned annually to Midway Atoll to nest.
- Over her lifetime, she has raised around 30 chicks, defying the typical lifespan of Laysan albatrosses, which is 68 years on average.
New Beginnings with a New Mate
Wisdom’s longtime mate, Akeakamai, has been absent in recent years. This season, she was spotted with a new male companion, igniting hopes for a successful nesting season. Wildlife biologist Jonathan Plissner expressed optimism about the egg hatching, noting the dedication of albatross parents, who take turns incubating their single egg for about two months.
The Majestic Laysan Albatross
Known for their lifelong bonds, Laysan albatrosses are revered for their grace and resilience. Once hatched, chicks stay on the island for 5–6 months before taking to the sea, where they spend most of their lives gliding over ocean waves and feeding on squid and fish eggs.
Viral Reaction
Wisdom’s story has gone viral, with fans expressing awe and admiration:
- “This species is so majestic,” wrote one user.
- “Wisdom is amazing. Love that girl,” commented another.
Wisdom’s extraordinary life continues to inspire conservation efforts and remind us of nature’s incredible wonders.
Leave a Reply