At an age when most creatures have long ceased reproduction, Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan Albatross, continues to defy expectations. This remarkable bird, the world’s oldest known banded wild bird, recently returned to Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) on February 6, 2025, to find her newly hatched chick. Her mate, who had been diligently incubating the egg, departed soon after to replenish his energy at sea, leaving Wisdom to take over parenting duties.
Feature Image: Laysan Albatross Wisdom with one of her previous chicks, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. John Klavitter/U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wisdom’s journey has captivated conservationists and bird enthusiasts alike. She was first banded in 1956 after laying an egg, making her an invaluable subject for scientific study on avian longevity and reproductive patterns. Over the decades, biologists estimate she has laid between 50 and 60 eggs and successfully fledged as many as 30 chicks, a testament to her resilience and adaptability.
Laysan Albatrosses are known for their strong pair bonds and long incubation periods, but not all eggs make it to hatching. Some fall prey to opportunistic predators, while others may not develop due to environmental conditions or infertility. When Wisdom laid an egg in December 2024, her first egg in four years, with a new partner, researchers eagerly monitored the nest. Their patience was rewarded when the chick successfully hatched on January 30, 2025, marking yet another milestone in her extraordinary life.
Living testament to the success of conservation efforts
The Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, home to the largest albatross colony in the world, has been a sanctuary for Wisdom and countless other seabirds. The conservation efforts here are crucial in protecting these majestic birds from threats such as habitat loss, plastic pollution, and climate change.
Thanks to dedicated volunteers and researchers, the world has been able to witness Wisdom’s enduring legacy through breathtaking images and videos. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the extraordinary resilience of nature when given the chance to thrive.
As Wisdom continues to nurture her newest chick, she remains an inspiration—a living testament to the success of conservation efforts and the boundless wonders of the natural world.
What an incredible bird!! Truly inspiring to see such a successful life lived by an albatross which faces so many threats.
I find this account very moving so say the least, how incredible that this data has been captured and recorded. I concur with Kurt this is truly inspiring. Creat is magnificent.