74-Year-Old World’s Longest-Lived Wild Bird Lays Egg, Possibly Becoming a Mother Once More

### Wisdom, the Record-Breaking Laysan Albatross: A Tale of Survival, Resilience, and Hope

For many years, a remarkable Laysan albatross named Wisdom has enthralled scientists and bird lovers globally. At around 74 years old, Wisdom is recognized as the oldest documented wild bird in history. Her exceptional story doesn’t just revolve around her age; she recently laid an egg, reaffirming her significance in the preservation of her species.

#### A Legacy That Commenced in 1956

Wisdom’s journey started in 1956, when ornithologist Chandler Robbins first banded her as “Z333” at the Midway Atoll, a secluded wildlife refuge located northwest of Hawai’i. At this point, she was already an adult, prompting scientists to estimate her birth during the 1950-51 breeding season. This indicates that Wisdom was at least five years old during her initial recorded nesting, considering that Laysan albatrosses generally achieve sexual maturity around this age.

What truly sets Wisdom’s narrative apart, besides her age, is the average lifespan of her species. Typically, Laysan albatrosses live between 12 and 40 years, with some exceptional cases reaching up to 68 years. Wisdom has surpassed these expectations, thriving well into her seventies while still playing a critical role in her species’ survival.

#### The Breeding Behavior of Laysan Albatrosses

Laysan albatrosses are celebrated for their distinctive characteristics, especially their monogamous relationships. Most individuals engage in lifelong partnerships, returning annually to the same nesting sites to reunite with their mates. However, Wisdom’s situation has seen some variations from this behavior. She spent many years with her mate, Akeakamai, who has not been seen lately. In his absence, Wisdom has successfully formed connections with other males via intricate courtship dances, ensuring she continues to breed and nurture chicks.

While Laysan albatrosses typically produce only one egg each year, Wisdom’s track record in breeding has been remarkable. Over her lifetime, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) estimates she has laid between 50 to 60 eggs, resulting in up to 30 fledged chicks. In 2011, Wisdom even reached grandmother status when one of her offspring raised a chick of its own.

#### Wisdom’s Contribution to a “Near Threatened” Species

Wisdom’s vibrant life carries broader implications, especially considering the conservation status of the Laysan albatross. Classified as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these seabirds face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, ingestion of plastic waste, and bycatch. Each fledgling bolsters the future of the species, making Wisdom’s ability to raise chicks in her advanced years a continuous triumph for conservation efforts.

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, where Wisdom has lived for much of her life, is a vital nesting area for Laysan albatrosses. This refuge, part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, ranks among the largest marine protected areas globally and serves as a sanctuary for millions of seabirds and various marine species. Ornithologists observing bird populations on Midway Atoll often celebrate Wisdom as a living symbol of the value of sustained conservation efforts.

#### A Beacon of Hope and Resilience

Wisdom’s recent egg, laid at the age of 74 following a four-year break, is a testament to her incredible vitality and instincts. Jonathan Plissner, a supervisory wildlife biologist at Midway Atoll, expressed hope that the egg will successfully hatch. “It’s a special joy,” Plissner remarked, noting that Wisdom continues to exhibit the energy and capabilities needed to care for yet another chick. If all proceeds smoothly, Wisdom and her mate will alternate incubating the egg over the coming months, with the chick expected to fledge by mid-2025.

The name “Wisdom” perfectly encapsulates this resilient seabird. Not only does she symbolize species survival, but she has also emerged as a worldwide emblem of endurance and adaptability amidst environmental challenges. Her existence serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent worth of wildlife and the necessity of preserving natural ecosystems.

#### Why Wisdom’s Tale Matters

In a world increasingly impacted by climate change and habitat degradation, Wisdom’s life provides a spark of hope. She exemplifies that even under tough conditions, life finds ways to endure and flourish. Her ongoing breeding efforts inspire researchers and conservationists to intensify their commitment to protecting endangered species and the ecosystems they rely upon.

Wisdom also encourages us to contemplate our role