Recently, scientists on Midway Island discovered a female Laysan albatross named Wisdom, who is over 70 years old, actively courting potential mates after the nesting season ended. This remarkable bird, the world’s oldest wild bird, is currently seeking a new partner on a remote island off the coast of Hawaii following the loss of her long-time mate.
Wisdom has been flying around the North Pacific since the time of President Eisenhower and was first identified in 1956. She wears a collar to this day, making her one of the most studied and documented birds in the world. The Laysan albatrosses are known for their long lifespan and their tendency to mate for life with one partner. Wisdom’s usual partner, Akeakamai, has been missing for two nesting seasons, prompting her to seek new potential mates on Midway Atoll.
Female Laysan albatrosses typically lay eggs in December, but Wisdom continues to participate in mating rituals despite the nesting season being over. Her resilience and agility for her age are truly inspiring as she demonstrates her willingness to find a new partner. With an estimated 5.6 million kilometers flown in her lifetime, Wisdom has covered significant distances in the North Pacific, fueling her flights with a diet of small squid, fish, and crustaceans.
In addition to her mating rituals, Wisdom has laid an estimated 60 eggs throughout her life span. Even though she may not nest this year