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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 Hyatt has an updated USDA exhibitor license, was accepted into a relevant AZA management program, and provided a biosecurity manual and an avian disease outbreak plan. The subcommittee on land vertebrates recommended approval after a 4‑to‑2 call in the advisory review.
Public commenters included Povey Carissa Abney, the Hyatt’s wildlife supervisor, who argued the institution has completed two years of certification work and education programs and said the import would support breeding and broader conservation and education goals. Penguins International and local educators described community education and fundraising benefits. An animal rights organization speaker opposed exhibiting endangered animals in a hotel setting rather than a zoo.
Permit conditions discussed by staff include mandatory pathogen testing: a declaration that the animals test negative for Newcastle disease and avian influenza within 14 days before importation, enhanced biosecurity protocols and alignment with federal and AZA standards. Staff said Metro Richmond Zoo is a long‑standing, accredited program and that the Hyatt’s proposed husbandry and security measures (including enclosure controls and staff oversight) were reviewed.
Board members expressed mixed views. Some members praised the Hyatt’s conservation partnerships and educational outreach; others said they preferred exhibitions of native Hawaiian species or questioned long‑term viability given threats to African penguin prey and climate impacts. During a roll‑call, several members said they voted “aye with reservations.” The chair announced the motion carried with reservations.
Why this matters: The permit affects the management and welfare of a critically endangered species in Hawai‘i care and raises questions about the roles of hotel exhibitor programs in conservation and local education. Conditions and testing requirements aim to reduce risk to Hawaii’s avian health.
Follow up: The Plant Quarantine Branch will issue permit conditions consistent with the board’s action, including required disease testing and USDA/AZA compliance documentation. Staff said they will monitor compliance with permit conditions and disease screening protocols.
