World’s Oldest Known Wild Bird Lays Egg At Age 74
ForbesDEC 2024
World's Oldest Wild Bird Lays Egg at 74
Above: A nesting pair of Laysan Albatross, popularly known as "Gooney Birds," on Midway Atoll. Image copyright: Larry Armstrong/Contributor/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
While inspirational, Wisdom's advanced age may be an anomaly given the species' future. Laysan albatrosses face increasing threats from climate change, sea-level rise, and human disturbance of breeding colonies, with the species currently listed as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List.
Narrative B
Wisdom's extraordinary longevity and continued breeding success are actually a beacon of hope for seabird conservation, particularly as she has survived numerous real-world environmental challenges — including widespread plastic pollution that has killed many other albatrosses in the region. The resilience of this amazing seabird speaks volumes.