In brief
Wisdom, the world's oldest known wild bird, has laid an egg at 74 years old in a surprising and inspiring event captured by US biologists.
In a breathtaking testament to nature's resilience and lifespan, Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, has laid an egg at approximately 74 years old, as confirmed by biologists from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Filmed at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Pacific Ocean, Wisdom was observed with her new partner, who is responsible for keeping the precious egg safe. Wisdom was originally tagged in 1956 when she was about five years old, and in her remarkable lifetime, she has reportedly reared over 30 chicks. While Laysan albatrosses typically live for 12 to 40 years, Wisdom stands apart—having already outlived at least three mates, her last partner Akeakamai hasn't been seen for several years. Jon Plissner, a supervisory wildlife biologist at the refuge, highlighted that Wisdom is among two to three million Laysan albatrosses that migrate to Midway to breed, noting that no other bird has been recorded to reach her impressive age, with the oldest known being just 45 years. “It’s really been remarkable,” he remarked on a BBC Radio program, emphasizing the global fascination surrounding Wisdom's unique story.This year, as Wisdom embraces motherhood again, experts estimate a 70-80% chance of her egg hatching. Albatross parents typically share the responsibilities of incubation and chick feeding, exemplifying a dedicated partnership. Wisdom’s nesting location, the Midway Atoll, is part of the Hawaiian archipelago and functions as an unincorporated US territory, renowned for being the largest colony of albatrosses worldwide. Her story continues to inspire environmentalists and the public alike, shining a spotlight on the delicate balance of life and the importance of wildlife conservation.
