In a year where we need more feel-good stories, a recurring character connected to the Hawaiian archipelago just popped up again to make us smile. Her name is Wisdom; she’s a Laysan albatross who returns every couple of years to Midway Atoll. But this bird of a different feather doesn’t just show up to soak up some rays and nosh on fish eggs; no, no.
Wisdom’s homecoming a couple of weeks ago was heart-warming, as she’s now hatched over 35 chicks in her seven decades of life. Biologists have proof that Wisdom is at least 69 years old! Crustaceans for everyone! The Honolulu Star-Advertiser recently updated us, and this bird is an inspiration to humans and perhaps to the millions of other albatrosses that call Midway Atoll home. Wisdom was first banded as an adult in 1956. She and mate Akeakamai have been together since at least 2010, but rumor has it that they first got together when Wisdom recorded her hit, “Roe, Roe, Roe Your Boat” back in the 1990s. In this season that celebrates birth, Wisdom is something of a miracle.
Akeakamai, which means “philosopher” or “lover of wisdom” (get it?) is obviously no bird brain, as he accompanies his beloved mate trip after trip. Yes, they’re frequent fliers. They take turns nurturing newborns, with the non-nester flying off to hunt for food.
The Laysan albatross is one of 22 albatross species and is considered to be an incredibly efficient traveler. They take long flights over the ocean, expending little energy- maybe like far too many of us who’ve been inactive on weekends since the onset of intermittent COVID-19 quarantines.
National Geographic called Wisdom the “oldest confirmed wild bird and the oldest banded bird in the world”, but she stays young through her consistent Midway treks back to give birth. Human grandparents at age 69 never have to say they’re sorry, but rather, “here, you can take junior back now, I’m done playing…” when visiting their kids. And yet here’s Wisdom, popping ‘em out with her innate intelligence and remarkable fertility. Wisdom just might change that age-old stereotype about something or someone being an “albatross around your neck”. She’s a symbol of hope, a sage of survival, a wizard of will, and the plucky persona of perseverance. She is shattering stereotypes, a valuable lesson to anyone seeking a dynamic New Year’s resolution.
Think about it…