Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, announces the hatching of its first African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) chick born on property in nearly 17 years. The chick, which hatched on April 24, joins the resort’s colony of seven adult African Penguins. Now three weeks old, the newest member of the resort’s penguin colony is healthy and thriving under the dedicated care of the on-property wildlife team.

New African Penguin Chick Hatched at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Photos courtesy Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

The newly hatched penguin’s arrival marks a historic milestone for the resort’s wildlife program, which is an active participant in the Zoological Association of America’s African Penguin Management and Breeding Program and operates under an Animal Management Plan promoting responsible breeding practices between respected animal facilities worldwide. The hatching of an African Penguin on the resort’s property represents a notable contribution to the global effort to save the critically endangered species from extinction and further establishes Hyatt Regency Maui as a leading organization in wildlife conservation.

“The arrival of this chick is a special milestone for our African Penguin colony,” said Povi Carisa-Abney, Wildlife Supervisor at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. “Watching it grow has been incredibly rewarding for our team, and it reflects the meaningful conservation work that is at the heart of our Wildlife program.”

Hyatt Regency Maui will announce the chick’s gender on social media (@hyattmaui) on Wednesday, May 20, and the chick will make its public debut on World Ocean Day, Saturday, June 8, in a special event featuring a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony and official name announcement. Audiences are invited to vote on the chick’s name on social media beginning Wednesday, May 27.

For more information on Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, the baby penguin, and upcoming World Ocean Day events, visit www.hyattregencymaui.com.