History Daily The Extinction of the Great Auk
Jun 3, 2025
Explore the tragic tale of the Great Auk, hunted to extinction by fishermen seeking rare collectibles. Follow the emotional journey of ornithologists in search of the last of its kind, revealing the harsh impact of human actions on wildlife. Learn about an influential Cambridge professor championing conservation in the 19th century, stressing the urgent need to protect endangered species. Despite historic attempts to preserve seabirds, the Great Auk's fate serves as a sobering reminder of our responsibilities to biodiversity.
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Failed Search for Great Auk
- Alfred Newton and John Woolley searched Iceland in 1858 for great auks but found only bones.
- They realized the great auk had already gone extinct 14 years earlier, after the last pair was killed in 1844.
Last Great Auks Killed
- On June 3, 1844, Icelandic fishermen led by Jan Branson killed the last known pair of great auks on Elday Island.
- They were unaware these birds were the last survivors of their species, unknowingly causing extinction.
Documenting Last Auk Kill
- Alfred and John interviewed Icelandic fishermen who had killed the last great auks in 1844.
- They documented the event but found no living birds themselves during their expedition.