The oldest living wild bird has likely lost her partner. Nevertheless, the female albatross remains hopeful — according to scientists, she has started to 'flirt' with potential new suitors.
The dark-backed albatross named Wisdom is estimated to be between 72 and 73 years old. She was first spotted by American biologist Chandler Robbins in 1956 when he tagged her left leg with an aluminum band numbered Z333. In 2002, Robbins encountered Wisdom again, placing a bright red band on her right leg.
It is believed that Wisdom spent a significant portion of her life with a constant partner, Akeakamai (Akeakamai means 'lover of wisdom' in Hawaiian) — she met him back in 2006.
However, in 2021, Akeakamai did not return to Midway Atoll in the Pacific Ocean for the breeding season. This was unusual, as males typically return to this location earlier than females. He did not appear in 2022 or 2023 either. Scientists suspect that Akeakamai may have died.
The seventy-year-old female albatross has managed to cope with the loss of her partner. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reported that this year Wisdom has participated in courtship dances with new potential suitors.
Dark-backed albatrosses return to Midway Atoll by the end of autumn and lay eggs in December. This time, Wisdom was late in returning — she arrived at the atoll only in spring. Researchers believe that she will not have time to lay eggs this year, but she may find a new partner and possibly produce offspring next year.
Albatrosses are considered monogamous birds. However, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes affect their behavior.
