Hyatt Regency Saipan relocates mascot Sky to Guam

Over the past over 65 years, care has been at the heart of everything that Hyatt does. As the world evolves and new challenges emerge, Hyatt has advanced its global Environmental, Social and Governance strategy through World of Care.

Deeply embedded across all areas of its business, World of Care brings Hyatt’s purpose of care to life. Its goals, particularly in the areas of social and environmental sustainability were defined by understanding what is important to its colleagues, guests, customers, owners, investors, and communities.

One example of Hyatt Regency Saipan’s care is the story of its long-term mascot, a 35-year-old macaw named Sky.

Sky joined the Hyatt Regency Saipan family about 30 years ago and was engaged with its life-long partner along its guest touch points. Sky was the center stage and indeed created positive memories while being photographed by countless guests over the years.

During the global pandemic, Sky’s partner unfortunately passed away, leaving Sky in solitude for nearly two years. While the Hyatt team took very good care of Sky throughout the time with evidently bonding behaviors, Hyatt no longer supports any form of tourism activity or entertainment that infringes on the well-being of any animal.

Since Saipan does not offer a veterinarian, zoologist, or a reputable species-specific expert who can develop and maintain animal welfare plans in consultation with third-party experts, Hyatt Regency Saipan has decided to relocate Sky to Hyatt Regency Guam. The aim was to provide a peaceful yet interactive retirement in the company of other macaws in Guam. Macaws have a life span of up to 50 years and Hyatt Regency Guam partners with a licensed zookeeping company which will be able to care for Sky in an advanced environment.

In early 2023, the management at Hyatt Regency Saipan thoroughly assessed all mandatory legal fulfillments to execute the complex relocation logistics.

Hyatt Regency Saipan took the initiative to coordinate the kickoff with Saipan Humane Society, led by Lauren Cabrera. In June 2023, Hyatt seized the opportunity to invite Dr. Whitney Collins, a visiting veterinarian and bird specialist from Guam. During her visit, Sky received a comprehensive health screening, certified that Sky is in perfect health.

In November, Dr. Mariana Turner of Guam Department of Agriculture provided the necessary requirements for Sky’s travel. One of them included quarantine in a pre-approved facility in both destinations for several days. Additionally, an added health certificate was needed that has been conducted and signed by a licensed veterinarian prior to any travel.

In early 2024, the dedicated team at Hyatt Regency Saipan left no stone unturned in their restless efforts to provide Sky with a life that he truly deserves. The team, headed by general manager Simon Graf, Marketing & Communications manager Bea O’Malley plus the support by all division heads, held weekly strategy meetings to update each other on the long list of requirements and time lines. Their unwavering commitment and dedication toward the goal guaranteed that Sky’s needs were fulfilled.

A Hyatt guest room was vacated and equipped with a multitude of quarantine demands to allow subsequent interim health checks and final approvals. Finally on March 19, 2024 at 10:30am, Sky boarded Star Marianas propeller plane to Guam, where he then started his second leg of quarantine at AMC Petlodge until Sky will arrive to his final caretaker at Hyatt Regency Guam. (PR)