A big baby is making quite the splash online, and it’s of the adorable feathered variety! Meet Pesto, the nine-month-old king penguin chick at the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, who’s weighing in at a hefty 49 pounds—more than both his proud parents combined. This oversized cutie has become the talk of the town and the star of social media.
Pesto has checked off all the boxes of what makes for viral fame. His enormous size, which is impressive even for his species, has drawn the eyes of animal lovers around the globe. With his lofty weight, Pesto recently pounced over the previous record held by any chick at the aquarium, becoming the heaviest penguin chick they’ve ever cared for. "He has brought immense joy to everyone here at Sea Life Melbourne and to penguin fans around the world," noted Aquarium General Manager Claire Burrell. You’ll likely not want to miss experiencing this waddly wonder firsthand!
Originally hatching on January 31, 2024, Pesto has been captivating the hearts of visitors since day one. His parents, Hudson and Tango, each tip the scales at around 24 pounds, which means Pesto is growing rather chonky compared to his folks! His gender was even revealed with some flair during what could be considered the most creative gender reveal party. His caretaker, Michaela Smale, cleverly kicked off the celebration by unearthing colorful ice blocks, which revealed blue goodies, hinting at Pesto's male status.
It’s not just Pesto’s amusing antics and outsized obsessions with fish garnering all the praise. His hefty appetite sees him gobbling up about 25 fish each day, contributing significantly to his substantial weight. Remarkably, his parents have done a fantastic job raising him with the right genes. The aquarium staff, realizing just how special Pesto is, remarked: “Our biological dad, Blake, is our biggest and oldest penguin. Secondly, he’s had amazing parents raising him!”
With his charming appearance, Pesto has become somewhat of the aquatic internet sensation. TikTok videos of him waddling next to adult penguins have amassed tens of millions of views. One video showcases Pesto awkwardly strutting behind another penguin, and who can resist such adorable awkwardness? Comments from viewers overflow with affection, declaring Pesto the new king of the internet. Even American Idol star Katy Perry has jumped on the bandwagon, expressing her fondness for our plump pal on social media.
The joy Pesto brings doesn’t stop at the keyboard. He’s also boosting attendance at the aquarium! His commanding presence has made visits to the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium all the more delightful, making it evident why people are flocking to see him. Even with this rise to fame, Pesto remains grounded, being just one of the cute inhabitants at the aquarium. But make no mistake, he’s definitely at the top of the adorable penguin hierarchy.
What is particularly fascinating is how Pesto’s rapid growth aligns with the natural development of penguins. Currently decked out with fluffy brown feathers, Pesto will molt over the next few months, shedding his baby fluff to reveal the sleek black and white feathers of adult king penguins. Upon reaching maturity, keepers predict Pesto will normalize to around 33 pounds—a weight still notable when compared to average adult king penguins, who typically fluctuate between 22 and 39 pounds.
At just nine months old, Pesto has swiftly become juggernaut-like among his kin, boasting a presence unmatched by other penguins. His operational antics, like comically large waddles and playful pokes, charm audiences, leaving them clamoring for more. Visitors can keep up with Pesto’s growth via the aquarium’s TikTok and Instagram accounts, where staff share regular updates and delightful snippets of his life.
With Pesto’s future featuring thrilling milestones like swimming lessons and more adventures backstage at the aquarium, the joy and excitement for this oversized penguin are only just beginning. Should you be intrigued to experience the charm of Pesto and his playful antics, the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is the place to be, open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM, where you can join talks to learn more or partake in special experiences up close with the penguins.
So, if you haven’t heard of this adorable puffball who’s shaking up the internet, prepare to be dazzled. Pesto the Penguin isn’t just your run-of-the-mill chick; he’s quickly cementing his status as the reigning king of cuteness amid the fluency of social media fame. Will his reign continue as he matures? Only time will tell, but for now, he’s sure to have everyone asking for more of the quirky, lovable moments he brings!
