Wisdom, the world's oldest known bird, has once again made headlines by laying her latest egg at the impressive age of 74. This remarkable event took place on November 27, 2024, at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, located at the northern tip of the Hawaiian archipelago. Through the lens of biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Wisdom was observed alongside her new partner, tending to their recently laid egg, highlighting her resilience and continued vitality against the odds.
Wisdom, identified by her iconic leg tag Z333, was first tagged by biologists back in 1956 at around five years old. Unlike most Laysan albatrosses, which typically have lifespan ranges of 12 to 40 years, Wisdom has exceeded all expectations. The talented bird has come back to Midway every year since, reuniting with her partner to revitalize her lineage, contributing to the survival of her species.
Before this year, Wisdom was primarily known for her long-term partnership with another albatross named Akeakamai, with whom she spent about six decades. Sadly, Akeakamai has not been seen for several years, likely indicating he has passed away. This prompted Wisdom to engage with potential new mates during the 2024 courtship season, showcasing the adaptability natural instincts enable her.
Jon Plissner, the supervisory wildlife biologist at the refuge, emphasized the unique nature of Wisdom's situation: "We don’t know of any others who are even close to her age… It’s really remarkable. Every year we await her return with bated breath," he expressed during his commentary. Every season, Wisdom's return renews biologists' hopes, as they wait to see if she will lay another egg and continue her evolutionary legacy.
Currently, Wisdom is part of the two to three million Laysan albatrosses working their way to the Midway Atoll for breeding. While many factors come together for the survival of albatross chicks, Jon Plissner believes there is approximately a 70 to 80 percent chance of the egg hatching. Laysan albatrosses share their parental responsibilities, taking turns incubate and feed their chicks, fostering teamwork and cooperation between mates.
The history of albatrosses lays bare intricacies of their breeding habits. They typically do not start breeding until they are around five years old. Wisdom's nesting at Midway has inspired the interest of bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. Her longevity offers insight not only on the lifespan of seabirds, but on necessary measures for their conservation.
The breeding festivities typically manifest around early December on Midway Atoll. With the incubation period for albatross eggs ranging from 64 to 65 days, the official hatching window will likely align with the new year. If all goes well, baby albatrosses should begin making their entry from January to February.
Wisdom has laid between 50 and 60 eggs throughout her lifetime, with about 30 of those eventually hatching and fledging successfully. Such numbers speak volumes about her role as not just the oldest known bird, but as a central figure for the survival of her generation.
Dr. Beth Flint, another biologist at the USFWS, highlighted Wisdom's importance: "Every year she returns, we learn more about how long seabirds can live and how they raise chicks… Her presence not only inspires bird lovers but also aids us greatly to understand how to protect these awe-inspiring birds and their habitats for the future."
It is difficult to quantify the significance of Wisdom's life and her continuous contributions to albatross numbers. Albatrosses, particularly the Laysan albatross, are facing various challenges, including habitat destruction and climate change. The hope remains strong with biologists monitoring Wisdom for her hopeful return each year. With nest inspections, tracking data, and dedicated conservationists like the USFWS, wisdom is being protected for generations to come.
By nurturing and learning from Wisdom, the planet will continue ro nurture not just her offspring, but other aspiring animals, echoing nature's incredible capacity to thrive within the confines of adversity. One can only hope the momentous egg she has laid will be the start of yet another precious albatross life, encapsulating the spirit and tradition of her remarkable existence.
