Birds of a Feather
Fantastic news about a Laysan albatross named Wisdom, who lives on Midway Atoll in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument.
Wisdom is officially the oldest living marine bird, at least 62 years of age and first banded by wildlife officials in 1956. She survived the tsunami in 2010 that devastated Midway. And now (drumroll, please!) she is caring for what is at least the 30th chick she’s hatched and reared in her long, productive life.
There’s a slim possibility that she’s related to our own Laysan albatross, Makana (pictured above). Like Wisdom, Makana comes from Midway Atoll. She came to the Aquarium in 2006 after she injured her wing when she fledged. She’s been an incredible ambassador for her species and is — as far as we know — the only albatross at any aquarium or zoo in the world.
In daily public programs at the Kelp Forest exhibit, we introduce visitors to Makana. There, we share stories about the epic annual migrations Laysan albatross make (50,000 miles!) and about the threats they face in the wild — from plastic pollution and commercial fishing gear.
Globally 18 of the 22 species of albatross are threatened with extinction. Makana and Wisdom — each in their own way — are contributing to the survival and recovery of these remarkable birds.
We wish them long and healthy lives!