In brief
Wisdom, the world's oldest known wild bird at approximately 74 years, recently laid her latest egg at the Midway Atoll national wildlife refuge. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) confirmed the news, noting that Wisdom has outlived several mates and has raised over 30 chicks in her lifetime. Tagged in 1956 at about five years old, she continues to inspire awe with her resilience in a species that typically lives 12-40 years. With a new partner, and a 70-80% chance of the egg hatching, the albatross remains a symbol of endurance.
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, has made headlines once again by laying an egg at the remarkable age of 74. This milestone was celebrated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as they documented the event at the Midway Atoll national wildlife refuge in the Pacific Ocean. Wisdom, who was tagged in 1956, has outlived her previous mates and is believed to have successfully raised over 30 chicks over her lifetime.The Laysan albatross typically has a lifespan of 12 to 40 years, making Wisdom's longevity extraordinary. According to Jon Plissner, a supervisory wildlife biologist at the refuge, she is one of only two to three million Laysan albatrosses that visit Midway to breed. The species usually mates for life, but Wisdom has adapted to having a new partner this year after her last mate, Akeakamai, had not been seen in several years.Plissner shared on BBC Radio 4 that the anticipation of Wisdom's return annually captivates birdwatchers and scientists alike. She demonstrates the vitality and instincts required to raise another chick, with a considerable chance of the egg hatching. Albatross parents share incubation and feeding responsibilities post-hatching.Initially identified and tagged in 1956 after laying an egg herself, Wisdom exemplifies the resilience of her species, which typically begins breeding around the age of five. Midway Atoll, while part of the Hawaiian archipelago, is an unincorporated US territory and hosts the world's largest colony of albatrosses.
