Wisdom, the world’s oldest known wild bird, has laid another egg at the age of 74. This Laysan albatross, known by her band number Z333, returned to the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge last week, accompanied by a new partner, to continue her legacy of life.
Wisdom was first tagged in 1956 after she had already laid an egg, making her at least five years old at the time. Over the decades, she has defied biological expectations, producing an estimated 50–60 eggs and raising as many as 30 chicks to fledging.
For years, Wisdom nested with her long-time partner, Akeakamai, raising chicks together until Akeakamai was last seen several years ago. Albatrosses are known to mate for life, but they may change partners under circumstances such as the loss of their previous mate. This year, Wisdom was observed interacting with a new mate, who has since been banded by biologists for future study.
The Midway Atoll, part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, provides critical nesting habitat for millions of seabirds, including the largest colony of albatrosses in the world. Wisdom’s return to this site highlights the species’ fidelity to their nesting grounds. Beginning in October each year, Laysan albatrosses (mōlī in Hawaiian) make their journey back to reunite with mates and raise their young ones.
Biologists and volunteers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) captured images and videos of Wisdom and her partner carefully tending to their egg. The incubation period for Laysan albatross eggs typically lasts about 65 days, meaning Wisdom’s newest chick is expected to hatch in January or February.
Wisdom’s survival and continued reproduction underscore the importance of the conservation work being done at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, a site steeped in both natural and historical significance. Managed by the USFWS, the refuge lies within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – one of the largest protected marine areas in the world.
This designation reflects the ecological and cultural significance of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Papahānaumokuākea’s co-trustees — the Department of Commerce, Department of the Interior, State of Hawaii, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs — work together to preserve its delicate ecosystems and Native Hawaiian heritage for future generations.
More about Midway Atoll:
Nearly 70% of the world’s mōlī (Laysan albatross) and about 40% of kaʻupu (black-footed albatross), along with the endangered Makalena (short-tailed albatross), depend on Midway Atoll for survival. Beyond albatrosses, over 20 additional bird species, primarily tropical seabirds, breed on the Atoll, with more than three million individual birds calling the Refuge and Memorial their home.
Scientific research and monitoring are vital for wildlife management throughout the Monument, especially for seabirds. Surveys and banding efforts conducted at Midway Atoll, provide insights into bird life cycles and migration patterns. Wisdom, the world’s oldest wild bird, was first banded here in 1956, but the first albatross banding on Midway dates back to 1936. To date, more than 275,000 albatrosses have been banded at the Refuge and Memorial.
By combining modern data analysis with extensive historical records, biologists can make well-informed management decisions to ensure seabirds have access to the habitats and resources necessary for their future survival.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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