Wisdom, the Oldest Known Wild Bird, Lays Egg at 74
Wisdom, a remarkable Laysan albatross estimated to be 74 years old, has once again defied expectations by laying an egg at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. This marks her impressive 60th egg, a testament to her longevity and resilience.
A Legacy of Parenthood
Wisdom, a celebrated resident of the remote atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, has been returning to the refuge to nest and raise chicks since at least 1956 when she was first banded as an adult. Over the years, she has raised an estimated 30 chicks, making her a true matriarch of the albatross community.
This latest egg, laid after a four-year hiatus, was a beacon of hope for wildlife biologists and conservationists who closely monitor the albatross population.
“We are optimistic that the eggs will hatch,” said Jonathan Plissner, director of the Midway National Wildlife Refuge. “Every year, millions of marine birds return to the refuge to build nests and give birth to their young.”
A Change of Partners
Wisdom’s longtime mate, Akeakamai, had not been seen for several years, leading researchers to believe he may no longer be alive. Upon returning to the refuge this year, Wisdom began interacting with a new male albatross, suggesting a new partnership has formed.
The Long Journey of Life
Laysan albatrosses have an extraordinary lifespan of roughly 68 years. They spend their lives soaring over the vast Pacific Ocean, covering thousands of miles in search of food. While they spend most of their time at sea, they rely on land for breeding, returning to the same nesting sites year after year.
After laying a single egg, both parents take turns incubating it for approximately seven months. Once the chick hatches, it remains on land for another five to six months before taking flight and embarking on its own oceanic adventures.
The chicks rely heavily on their parents for sustenance during their first months, as they are initially incapable of hunting for themselves. Albatross parents feed their chicks by regurgitating regurgitating partially digested squid and fish eggs.
What is significant about Wisdom laying an egg at 74 years old?
## Wisdom, the Oldest Known Wild Bird, Lays Egg at 74: A Conversation with Wildlife Biologist
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing some exciting news from Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. A bird celebrated for her remarkable longevity, Wisdom the Laysan albatross, has laid another egg at the impressive age of 74. Joining us to discuss this incredible feat is wildlife biologist Jonathan Plissner. Jonathan, welcome to the show.
**Jonathan Plissner:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Wisdom’s story is truly inspiring. Could you tell our viewers a bit about her and why this latest egg-laying is so significant?
**Jonathan Plissner:** Absolutely. Wisdom is a female Laysan albatross that we’ve been tracking since the 1950s, making her the oldest known wild bird in the world. This latest egg is her 60th, which is simply astounding. [[1](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-05/worlds-oldest-known-wild-bird-wisdom-lays-egg/104687366)]It’s a testament to her incredible resilience and genetic make-up.
**Host:** It’s truly amazing to think about the life she’s led and the changes she’s witnessed over those 74 years.
**Jonathan Plissner:** Absolutely. She’s seen things no other bird alive today has seen.
**Host:** What does this egg-laying tell us about the health and future of Wisdom, and perhaps other albatrosses like her?
**Jonathan Plissner:** It’s a great sign. Despite her age, Wisdom shows amazing energy and continues to participate in the breeding cycle. This bodes well for her future and hopefully, for the future of Laysan albatross populations.
**Host:** That’s certainly encouraging news. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us, Jonathan.
**Jonathan Plissner:** My pleasure.
