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Board grants Hyatt Maui permit to import four African black‑footed penguins with conditions; some members express reservations
Summary
The Board of Agriculture approved a permit allowing Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa to import four African black‑footed penguins for exhibition and breeding, subject to testing and permit conditions. The decision drew both support from conservation groups and opposition from animal rights advocates; several board members recorded reservations.
The Hawaii Board of Agriculture approved a permit allowing the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa to import four African black‑footed penguins (Spheniscus demersus) from Metro Richmond Zoo for exhibition and to increase genetic vitality of the Hyatt’s penguin colony. The board’s action included establishing permit conditions and health screening requirements; the vote carried with members recording reservations.
Jessica Anmira, acting land vertebrate specialist for the Plant Quarantine Branch, explained the Hyatt’s application: the hotel seeks four penguins to expand a geographically isolated colony, improve genetic diversity and meet the AZA’s recommended minimum population for an enclosure of its size. Staff noted the…
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