Some destinations have unexpected VIPs who quietly steal the show: the resident animals. These charming locals have their own personalities, favorite spots, and little routines that make them part of the destination’s character. Meeting anchor’s travelers memories to the place, making it impossible to picture without them. Below are a list of resident animals that travelers can meet around the world, adding to the guest experience.
Meet Milaidhoo’s Grey Heron, Georgina
Aside from the remarkable blue shorelines, at Milaidhoo Maldives, one of the most memorable sights has feathers. Georgina, the island’s elegant Grey Heron, has become a true icon of the property. In Maldivian folklore, the Maakanaa—a heron—represents wit and cleverness, and Georgina more than lives up to her name. Guests at Milaidhoo won’t go one day without seeing Georgina at Ocean Restaurant for breakfast, where she surveys the scene with a sneaky eye out for any leftovers. Catching Georgina successfully steal a bite sets the standard for the day. After her grand morning entrance, guests are thrilled to find Georgina perched by the shoreline, walking alongside the Compass Bar pool while they’re swimming, or greeting them at the jetty after an excursion.
Gaya Island Resort's Furry and Feathered Friends
On the private beach of Malaysia's Tavajun Bay fringing Gaya Island Resort, guests may have the opportunity to witness a special and beloved herd of wild boars in their natural habitat. Native to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippines, Timmy the Bornean Bearded Pig and his family can often be found roaming the bay as the sun sets. On occasion, Timmy and his family comb the beach for a snack, including tubers, fallen fruits, and plants. Nestled within the jungles of the island, Ninox the boobook is an elusive owl rehabilitated by the Resident Naturalists at Gaya Island Resort. The nocturnal wonder was found as a juvenile unable to fly, but with the help of the naturalist team, he has developed into a fully grown wonder, fit to be released back into the jungles of Gaya Island Resort and can still be seen by lucky guests with a keen eye.
The Story of Kitui the Rhino at Segera
Earlier this year, the ZEITZ Foundation and Segera—working in close partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) successfully translocated a population of critically endangered eastern black rhinos to Segera’s 50,000-acre conservancy. The past couple of months they have been closely monitored by KWS specialists as they adjust to their new home. One rhino, Kitui, has become a beloved presence at Segera, finding comfort among both the team and guests. Originally from Lewa Conservancy, he was orphaned at a young age and hand-raised by humans—a decision that saved his life but also shaped his sense of belonging. Unlike other rhinos, Kitui is remarkably at ease around people. He’s often spotted lingering near the retreat, strolling calmly up to safari vehicles, the star deck, or even the staff village—an unusual yet endearing trait that serves as a gentle reminder of the deep bond between wildlife and the people who protect them. While Kitui’s story highlights the unusual bonds that can form between humans and wildlife, the broader goal at Segera is to guide rhinos like him toward true independence in the wild. As Rhino Monitoring Officer Simon Nakito explains, “The goal of this translocation is to help wild rhinos reestablish themselves in a truly wild sanctuary.” Learning to be wild again is a gradual process—one that requires distancing from human presence, establishing a natural range and territory, and eventually forming bonds with other rhinos. The hope is that Kitui will one day find his place deeper within the sanctuary. Until then, he offers a powerful reminder that conservation is not just about numbers or relocation targets—it’s about adaptation, trust, and time.
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach Builds a Home for the Neighborhood Squirrels
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach as part of their Green Engage Activities, have created a rent-free wooden house for the squirrels of Seminyak to be fed and housed in. On a regular basis, the squirrels are fed using the hotel’s left-over fruits and nuts from their restaurants to help manage waste. Guests are encouraged to have a look as they stroll past but reminded to respect their space. This effort is one of many they continue to implement around that property that not only benefit the local community in diverse ways but also actively involve and engage guests.
Meet Rocky the Stag at Forsthofgut Nature Hotel in Austria
Forsthofgut Nature Hotel in Leogang, Austria, a five-star alpine destination, brings together wellness, design, and outdoor adventure with an extraordinary connection to animals that shapes the rhythm of daily life for guests. The wildlife enclosure is home to Rocky the stag, who lives with his companions in the forest park and is visited during weekly feedings led by owner Christoph Schmuck, a highlight for families eager to see the animals up close. Rocky also appears as the playful mascot whose name carries into Rocky’s Club, a supervised program offering full-day childcare with creative activities, forest excursions, and time at the miniGUT. At the miniGUT, the children’s farm, kids can meet sheep, rabbits, ponies, pigs, goats, donkeys, and alpacas, spending time with the animals in a way that encourages gentle interaction and hands-on learning. Horses and ponies are also cared for at Forsthofgut’s riding stables, where both indoor and outdoor arenas support lessons and guided trail rides into the surrounding alpine landscape.
"Spot" the Leopard at Hemingways Ol Seki Mara
For travelers staying in one of the ten luxury tents at Hemingways Ol Seki Mara in the heart of the Maasai Mara, they may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of their resident leopard, Spot. Often found around and within the premises of the camp, preying on her and her two cubs' favorite meal, the hyrax, the trio is totally wild but have their own distinctive and noticeable personalities. Her son is often found alongside Spot, joining her on her hunts--which are typically around Nina tent 4--while her daughter is a bit more elusive and independent. The family-owned company does not feed, track, or follow the family, knowing and emphasizing the knowledge that the beasties of the Mara could not survive in the bush if humans interfered by feeding or helping them feel safe. Hemingways is proud to have the privilege to witness and share their presence as they come and go, underscoring the unforgettable beauty of the bush's untamed wildlife at its most genuine.
Quasar Expeditions's Resilient Resident Raptor
Quasar Expeditions, the leader in safari-style adventures in the Galápagos and Patagonia, will be ringing in its 40th anniversary in 2026, and has continually focused on giving back to local communities--human and animal-since its conception. Built upon three pillars of sustainability (environmental, social, and economic), they take socially and environmentally responsible approaches to lighten the burden of overtourism as they set a precedent that shows how the joy of bucket list adventures can spur social progress does not have to be at the expense of the destination. This includes gargantuan 150 year-old Galápagos Tortoises to the two year-old Huagcha at Hacienda Zuleta. By tacking on a few extra days in Angochagua, Ecuador after a safar-style cruise through the Galápagos Islands on the Quasar Evolution (32 pax) or Quasar Grace (16 pax), travelers can come face to face with Huagcha. Born in 2022, Quasar Expeditions has been sponsoring the food and healthcare of the resident Andean Condor--a species that is critically endangered, and even locally extinct in some regions.
Spend the Day with the Four-Legged VIP Guests at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
In Ubud, Bali, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is beautifully set where the lush jungle meets the Ayung River, creating a sanctuary dedicated to preserving the island's beauty. Manda and Dapa are two Balinese cows cared for and residing on the property, reflecting the Balinese ethos of harmonious living while offering guests a unique connection to the land. Championing eco-friendly travel without sacrificing luxury, they embody the resort’s commitment to preserving Ubud’s beauty, while blending cultural heritage, environmental responsibility, and enriching guest experiences.
Cherished members of the community, these gentle cows spend their days roaming lush rice paddies, basking in the sun, and receiving affection from guests. They also play a key role in Mandapa’s sustainable farming practices, with their manure acting as natural fertilizer to enrich the soil and support low-carbon agriculture. Wonderful with people, Manda and Dapa are the stars of the property’s kids’ club, Mandapa Camp, where young travelers can feed them, tend to the gardens, and learn about traditional Subak irrigation, all while gaining a deeper understanding of animal care and sustainable practices. These interactive experiences create lasting memories while instilling a sense of environmental responsibility.
