Spheniscid alphaherpesvirus-1 (SpAHV-1) is associated with respiratory disease in juvenile African penguins (Spheniscus demersus). In 2020, this virus was detected in adult birds with clinical signs of respiratory disease in a previously asymptomatic colony of 21 birds following a recommended introduction of three new birds, including two with a history of herpesvirus as juveniles. Mild to moderate respiratory signs were noted in 33% (8/24) of the colony. SpAHV-1 DNA was detected in respiratory secreta by herpesvirus consensus PCR in three birds, although as the definitive source of the presentation, it could not be confirmed. Surveillance for SpAHV-1 was performed in all colony birds seven and 19 mo following resolution of respiratory disease signs. SpAHV-1 was detected via consensus herpesvirus PCR and sequencing in two apparently healthy individuals, including one which had clinical signs of respiratory disease and tested positive for SpAHV-1 during the original outbreak. Due to limited knowledge about this pathogen, a retrospective assessment regarding SpAHV-1 and respiratory disease was performed by analyzing survey data collected from 41 institutions holding African penguins in the Species Survival Plan^© (SSP) North American population from 2011–2021. From the 41 institutions that participated, 782 birds were evaluated and assessed, representing 70% of the total available population (n = 1,116). The majority (80%; 33/41) of participating institutions' veterinarians reported no knowledge of SpAHV-1 prior to this survey. Respiratory disease (e.g., sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, oropharyngeal plaques, pulmonary auscultation changes) was reported in 21.2% of the surveyed cohort. Most clinical signs were resolved within 3–30 dy, with an average duration of illness of 13 dy. The odds of respiratory disease were significantly higher in males (p < 0.0001) and in non-transferred penguins as compared to those penguins transferred between institutions (p = 0.005). Only 5.6% of penguins (44/782) were tested for herpesviruses by PCR during the study period and of these birds, 18% (8/44) were positive for SpAHV-1. SpAHV-1 represents an important differential for respiratory disease in African penguins, but additional epidemiologic research is needed to determine the full impact of this pathogen.