The
oldest known living wild bird in the world has given birth to a healthy
hatchling. The 62-year-old bird, “Wisdom,” last made top facts in 2011, when the albatross
survived the aftermath of the Japanese tsunami.
Wisdom
has defied the odds in many aspects: She’s already lived nearly twice as long
as the average Laysan albatross. She was given her name after being tagged by a
U.S. Geological Survey researcher in 1956. The USGS said in a statement that
since being tagged, Wisdom has flown an estimated 2 million to 3 million miles,
or “four to six trips from the Earth to the Moon and back again with plenty of
miles to spare.”
“To
know that she can still successfully raise young at age 60-plus, which is
beyond words,” USGS bird banding program Chief Bruce Peterjohn said. “While the
process of banding a bird has not changed greatly during the past century, the
information provided by birds marked with a simple numbered metal band has
transformed our knowledge of birds.”
And
while there have been other albatross birds spotted in the wild who are
estimated to be around 50 years old, Wisdom is the only one on record to have
given birth at such an advanced age. Though, some scientists may have seen the
feat coming, when Wisdom gave birth two years ago to another chick, and has
given birth to a total of five chicks since 2006.
The
retired USGS scientist Chandler Robbin, who was in his 40s when he first banned
Wisdom in 1956 stresses that while he have grown old and gray and get around
only with the use of a cane, wisdom still looks and acts just the same as on
the day he banned her.
In
2001, Robbins “rediscovered” Wisdom, helping the USGS determine her age and
track her record-setting reproductive habits.
Because
the Laysan albatross mates for life, USGS officials estimate that Wisdom has
had to take on several “much younger” male partners over the years to help
foster an estimated 35 chicks.
“I’m
trying to straighten out the record,” Robbins added. “It takes a lot.”
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