World’s oldest bird hatches her 40th chick

Kukini’s arrival was announced on Facebook by the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Hawaiian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

“On February 1, 2016 the oldest known bird in the wild became a mother again on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and her chick’s name is Kukini (Hawaiian for messenger).” 

Conservationists at the marine museum also hailed Kukini’s arrival as “a fine gift from nature, just in time for celebrating acts of preservation and partnership to help conserve seabird habitat in the islands.” 

Meanwhile, unmindful of the excitement around the arrival, Kukini hatched on a cold, drizzly day and the mother kept her chick warm throughout. Wisdom then flew off in search of food for the chick, while her mate Good took over the baby-sitting duties.