How old is too old? 74-year-old Wisdom the albatross lays first egg in four years

Wisdom, the 74-year-old Laysan albatross hailed as the world's oldest known wild bird, has laid her first egg in four years at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. According to Forbes, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced Wisdom's egg on social media, leading with the statement, "She did it again!" This significant event underscores Wisdom's remarkable longevity and continuous contribution to her species.

First identified and tagged by biologists in 1956 when she was about five years old, Wisdom has been a subject of scientific interest for decades. IFLScience reports that she bears the leg band Z333, a mark recognized by bird enthusiasts worldwide. Throughout her life, Wisdom is believed to have hatched more than 30 chicks, with her last chick hatching in 2021. BBC News notes that she is estimated to have laid approximately 50 to 60 eggs during her lifetime.

Wisdom's return to Midway Atoll at the end of November was a momentous occasion. ABC News Australia states that she has been observed caring for her egg with a new mate, as her long-time partner Akeakamai has not been seen since they hatched a chick together in 2021. Laysan albatrosses generally mate for life but may find new partners if necessary. BBC News indicates that Wisdom has outlived at least three of her mates, making her an exception to the typical mating patterns of her species.

The incubation period for a Laysan albatross egg is about 64 to 65 days, and both parents share incubation duties. Forbes reports that if Wisdom's egg hatches, she and her new mate will have months of parental responsibilities ahead. Jon Plissner, a wildlife biologist at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, expressed optimism about the egg's prospects. According to IFLScience, he stated, "We are optimistic the egg will hatch. We have about 70 or 80 percent of our eggs that are laid here hatch every year."

Wisdom's age is extraordinary among her species. Biologists are not aware of any other albatross near her age; the next oldest known is around 45 years old. BBC News quotes Plissner saying, "She's unique. We don't know of any others that are even close to her age." This highlights the exceptional nature of Wisdom's continued ability to reproduce at such an advanced age.

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge hosts the world's largest albatross colony, with well over a million albatrosses using it to hatch and raise their young. Forbes describes Midway Atoll as part of the Hawaiian archipelago but notes that it is an unincorporated territory of the United States, not belonging to the state of Hawaii. Every year in November, Laysan albatrosses, including Wisdom, return to Midway Atoll to perform courtship dances and find mates, typically arriving around Thanksgiving, according to IFLScience.

The Laysan albatross is listed as "near threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Forbes reports that these birds face challenges such as pollution, threats from invasive species, collisions with structures and airplanes, and human disturbance of breeding colonies. Climate change presents an additional threat. Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources stated, "Nesting colonies on low-lying atolls are vulnerable to sea level rise, and increased storms and wave events associated with climate change."

Wisdom's life offers valuable insights into the longevity and breeding habits of seabirds. In 2021, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Dr. Beth Flint remarked, "Each year that Wisdom returns, we learn more about how long seabirds can live and raise chicks," as reported by IFLScience. Dr. Flint also explained, "Although albatrosses are lifelong mates, they can find new partners if necessary—for example, if they outlive their first partner."

The ongoing survival and reproductive success of Wisdom inspire hope and admiration. Forbes notes that the bonus of Wisdom laying a new egg makes this year even more special. Bird enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting news of the egg's hatching early next year. ABC News Australia shared that photos and videos on social media feature Wisdom with her recognizable band number Z333, and messages of support have poured in from admirers. One user commented, "She doesn't look a day over 40," while another declared, "Wisdom is my hero, 74 years old, you go girl."

For future monitoring, Wisdom's new mate was banded recently, according to Aaj Tak. This will enable biologists to continue observing their activities and gathering data. The potential hatching of Wisdom's egg not only brings joy but also contributes to scientific understanding of albatross breeding patterns and longevity. Dr. Flint emphasized, "Her return not only inspires bird lovers everywhere, but helps us better understand how we can protect these graceful seabirds and the habitat they need to survive into the future," as reported by IFLScience.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq