Maya Higa

Maya Elaine Higa is an American conservationist, wildlife educator, Twitch streamer, and digital content creator. Born on May 24, 1998, in California, she became widely known on live-streaming platforms for her educational streams that combine wildlife rehabilitation, falconry, and digital community outreach. Higa is the founder and executive director of Alveus Sanctuary, a non-profit exotic animal sanctuary and virtual education center based in Austin, Texas. Through her content and fundraising initiatives, she has established a prominent presence as a digital-first wildlife advocate, introducing millions of online viewers to environmental awareness and animal welfare.

Early Life and Education

Raised on a farm in Northern California alongside three siblings, Higa developed an early interest in animal care and natural science. She pursued higher education at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education and Communication in 2020. Before launching her broadcasting career, she acquired hands-on experience in wildlife care through work as a licensed falconer, wildlife rehabilitator, and zookeeper, laying the technical foundation for her later educational initiatives.

Livestreaming Career and Rise to Fame

Higa began streaming on Twitch in early 2019, initially presenting casual chatting and music content. Her online channel experienced rapid growth after a video snippet featuring her juvenile red-tailed hawk gained viral traction on social media. Recognizing the potential of streaming platforms for public outreach, she transitioned her channel toward environmental education. In 2019, Higa launched Conservation Cast, a video podcast series interviewing wildlife experts and raising funds for global conservation organizations. Her creative approach, combining interactive digital entertainment with educational messaging, earned her widespread recognition across the digital creator economy.

Alveus Sanctuary and Impact

In February 2021, Higa launched a 21-hour marathon charity stream that raised over $500,000 to found Alveus Sanctuary in Texas. Operating as a non-profit 501(c)(3) facility, Alveus provides permanent homes to non-releasable animal ambassadors while broadcasting live streams 24 hours a day to educate viewers worldwide. Beyond stream production, Higa has spoken at major international conferences, including TED, and collaborated with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund to encourage public engagement in environmental protection.