Wisdom, who is the world's oldest known bird at 65 years old, has exceeded all expectations by becoming a mom for the 40th time.
Unlike other Laysan Albatrosses, who typically live between 12 to 40 years, Wisdom has astounded scientists time and time again, since females are thought to become infertile later in life.
The newborn chick, named Kukini after the Hawaiian word for 'messenger', emerged from its shell earlier this month at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii, about 1,300 northwest of Honolulu.Layan albatrosses are monogamous animals, laying at most just one egg each year.
Wisdom was tagged by scientists in 1956 when she was about five years old. Since then, she's given birth to about 40 chicks and has flown more than 3 million miles.
Because the birds are seen as a barometer for the ocean's ecosystem and its ability to sustain life, Robert Peyton of the Midway refuge, said: 'Wisdom is an iconic symbol of inspiration and hope.'
Experts at the US Fish and Wildlife Service claim Wisdom is the oldest bird they know of in the organisation’s 90-year history.
Source
Unlike other Laysan Albatrosses, who typically live between 12 to 40 years, Wisdom has astounded scientists time and time again, since females are thought to become infertile later in life.
The newborn chick, named Kukini after the Hawaiian word for 'messenger', emerged from its shell earlier this month at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii, about 1,300 northwest of Honolulu.Layan albatrosses are monogamous animals, laying at most just one egg each year.
Wisdom was tagged by scientists in 1956 when she was about five years old. Since then, she's given birth to about 40 chicks and has flown more than 3 million miles.
Because the birds are seen as a barometer for the ocean's ecosystem and its ability to sustain life, Robert Peyton of the Midway refuge, said: 'Wisdom is an iconic symbol of inspiration and hope.'
Experts at the US Fish and Wildlife Service claim Wisdom is the oldest bird they know of in the organisation’s 90-year history.
Source
Wisdom with her unnamed mate. Laysan Albatrosses are monogamous animals, with fertile females laying just one egg each year at the most
VIDEO
What a miracle Wisdom is - to survive all the ocean plastic particles that kill so many of the chicks. May this beautiful new one be blessed and protected��