Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, renowned for its deep commitment to wildlife conservation and immersive guest experiences, announces the hatching of its first African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus<\/em>) chick born on property in nearly 17 years. <\/p>\n The chick, which hatched on April 24, joins the resort\u2019s colony of seven adult African Penguins. Now three weeks old, the newest member of the resort\u2019s penguin colony is healthy and thriving under the dedicated care of the on-property wildlife team.<\/p>\n The newly hatched penguin\u2019s arrival marks a historic milestone for the resort\u2019s wildlife program, which is an active participant in the Zoological Association of America\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe arrival of this chick is a special milestone for our African Penguin colony,\u201d said Povi Carisa-Abney, Wildlife Supervisor at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. \u201cWatching 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Hyatt Regency Maui will announce the chick\u2019s gender on social media (@hyattmaui<\/a>) 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\u2019s name on social media beginning Wednesday, May 27.<\/p>\n Lineage & Hatching<\/strong><\/p>\n The chick\u2019s parents are Phoenix, a three-year-old female, and Kennedy, a two-year-old male, both of whom came to Hyatt Regency Maui from Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia. The organizations have supported each other for years, with Hyatt Regency Maui fundraising for Richmond Zoo following a devastating fire at their animal hospital. Following the Lahaina fires in 2023, the zoo reached out to the resort to ask how they could return their support, which initiated the process of transporting several of the zoo\u2019s African Penguins to the Hawaii resort.\u00a0<\/p>\n Kennedy, the youngest of the penguins from Richmond Zoo, is known for his inquisitive and mischievous charm. True to the devoted nature of African Penguins, Kennedy proved himself an exceptional partner by gathering so much nesting material for Phoenix that it overflowed from their shared space onto the porch of their habitat. Phoenix, named for the zoo\u2019s symbolic rise from the ashes, has formed connections with all of Hyatt Regency Maui\u2019s keepers through her cuddly, affectionate disposition.<\/p>\n On March 17, 2026, during the historic \u201cKona Low\u201d storm, Phoenix laid a single egg. Thirty-eight days later, on April 24, the chick hatched and has been under the careful watch of the resort\u2019s wildlife team in the weeks since.<\/p>\n Described by its keepers as strong-willed and vocal, the chick has a particular fondness for feeding time, where it closes its eyes and happily savors every sip of fish formula. The chick appears to have inherited Kennedy\u2019s playful demeanor and tendency to get the \u201czoomies,\u201d already beginning to take its first steps; it also loves snuggling its stuffed penguin companion and nuzzling the necks of its caretakers, just like Phoenix.<\/p>\n Meet the Baby Penguin<\/strong><\/p>\n Following the May 20 gender reveal on social media, the resort will launch a vote for the chick\u2019s name. Suggestions will be collected from resort staff, and the public vote will be open from May 27 through June 6.\u00a0<\/p>\n On June 8, World Ocean Day, the chick will be introduced to its habitat for the first time in a special event open to resort guests and the public. In addition to the traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony and name announcement, attendees can learn more about African Penguins and Hyatt Regency Maui\u2019s wildlife program; there will be interactive activities for guests of all ages.<\/p>\n Guests staying at Hyatt Regency Maui can observe the penguin colony during daily presentations at 9:30 a.m. in their habitat in the Atrium lobby. Wildlife tours are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10 a.m., where attendees learn about the additional bird species living on the property.<\/p>\n For more information on Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa,<\/a> the baby penguin, and upcoming World Ocean Day events, visit\u00a0www.hyattregencymaui.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow the resort on\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.mauinow.com\/file\/mauinow\/2026\/05\/New-African-Penguin-Chick-at-Hyatt-Regency-Maui-5-1024x683.jpg\")
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