Wisdom, the world’s oldest known wild bird, a Laysan albatross, has lost her long-time mate, Akeakamai, who has not been seen in the last two nesting seasons. At 72 years old, Wisdom has been seen dancing and socializing with potential suitors on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the North Pacific Ocean. She was first banded in 1956 and has produced as many as 30 chicks and laid 50-60 eggs in her lifetime. Despite her age, Wisdom remains active and spry, participating in mating dances with other male birds in March.
Mōlī females lay a single egg in the first half of December and only lay one egg per year. Millions of seabirds return to the refuge each year to nest and raise their young. Wisdom spends 90% of her time at sea, feeding on squid and fish eggs when not laying eggs. The Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge serves as a sanctuary for various species of seabirds and marine life, as well as protecting cultural resources. The refuge is home to monk seals, sea turtles, and serves as a breeding ground for migratory birds.
Wisdom has had her bands replaced over the years to track her movements and behavior. Unlike other albatross, whose bands fall off after 20 years, Wisdom’s bands have remained intact since being placed by biologist Chandler Robbins in 1956. The Laysan albatross is known to pair for life with a single mate, with a breeding colony of the birds located on Laysan Island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The birds are long-living and are known to live for many decades.
Jonathan Plissner, the supervisory wildlife biologist at the refuge, has observed Wisdom actively courting other male birds, despite the absence of her long-time mate. Akeakamai has not been seen during the current nesting season, and Wisdom has been spotted only sporadically since November. Wisdom’s behavior indicates that she is still seeking a mate and participating in courtship rituals, showing that age has not slowed her down.
The refuge serves as a vital breeding ground for the seabirds, and provides a safe habitat for various species to raise their young. The historic Battle of Midway and cultural resources are also protected on the island, which is significant for conservation efforts. Wisdom’s story serves as an inspiration for conservationists and researchers, highlighting the resilience and longevity of seabirds like the Laysan albatross.
Overall, Wisdom’s story of longevity, resilience, and continued breeding efforts serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting wildlife and preserving their habitats. As the world’s oldest known wild bird, Wisdom continues to defy expectations and provide valuable insights into the behavior and lifecycle of seabirds. Her presence on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is a testament to the importance of conservation efforts in maintaining biodiversity and protecting vulnerable species in their natural habitats.
