Attempts to ensure that exploitation of wildlife populations (including fisheries) is sustainable often rely on the mistaken premise that older animals are ‘redundant’. This session will explore the growing evidence for the importance of older animals as repositories of social and cultural knowledge, and to population and food web stability, social cohesion and long-term viability. It will specifically feature the importance of these attributes for the success of migratory species, and the relevance to habitat connectivity and other key CMS workstreams. Eminent researchers will discuss their work on animal culture, social complexity and the ecological roles of old, wise and large animals belonging to migratory species, and the consequences of their removal in relation to migration, connectivity and population viability. Session participants will be invited to discuss these issues, identify gaps in our current knowledge, and propose new longevity conservation policies and practices.