It’s WORLD ALBATROSS DAY! Learn more about this remarkable seabird and why they need your help today.
Wild Facts:
- Albatrosses have the largest wingspan of any bird and are capable of coasting for miles with just one flap. The wingspan of a wandering albatross is about as long as an elephant is tall!
- Nearly 80% of their lives are spent at sea. A single albatross can fly millions of miles during its lifetime and soar at 129 km per hour (80 mph).
- They can be up to 70 years old, with some even laying eggs and raising chicks well into their sixties.
- 100,000 albatrosses are killed each year because of fishery bycatch; nearly every seabird on the planet has ingested plastic, including albatross and their chicks.
Why They Matter
Albatrosses play a pivotal role in marine ecosystems, influencing nutrient cycling and facilitating the distribution of marine resources. As apex predators, they help regulate populations of prey species, contributing to the intricate balance of oceanic food webs.
How You Can Help
Despite their aerial prowess, 17 of the 22 albatross species are threatened with extinction, with the waved and Tristan albatrosses being critically endangered. Habitat loss, plastic debris, food shortages, and (the biggest threat of all) fishing gear have all contributed to their declines. How can you help? Donate to VAKOVAKO to support conservation nonprofits working tirelessly to protect albatrosses and our OCEANS.
