A massive, fluffy brown penguin named Pesto has become an internet sensation, waddling through his Australian aquarium home and stealing the spotlight. At just nine months old, Pesto weighs a staggering 22.5 kilograms (49.6 pounds), making him the largest penguin chick ever recorded at Sea Life Melbourne.
Pesto’s size is hard to miss as he towers over the other penguins in his enclosure. Despite being a chick, he has already outgrown most of his companions and is quickly becoming a fan favorite. His impressive diet of 25 fish per day helps fuel his rapid growth, and aquarium staff believe he may grow even larger.
Aquarium keeper Michaela Smale shared that Pesto’s parents, Tango and Hudson, weigh only around 11 kilograms each, making their chick’s size even more remarkable. “When he hatched, he was just 200 grams,” Smale told local media. Now, Pesto weighs more than both his parents combined.
While Pesto’s weight might raise eyebrows, Smale assured that his size is perfectly normal for a king penguin chick. She explained that these penguins naturally bulk up to protect themselves from the harsh Antarctic climate. “He’s a chunky monkey, but he’s healthy,” Smale added.
Pesto’s genetics also contribute to his remarkable size, as his ancestors were some of the largest penguins ever housed at the aquarium. As he matures, Pesto will eventually shed his fluffy brown feathers and grow into sleek adult plumage.
King penguins, like Pesto, are native to Antarctica, where their population remains stable at about 1.6 million breeding pairs. However, their numbers once faced significant decline during the 19th and 20th centuries due to hunting for their meat, oil, and blubber. Today, their population has rebounded, thanks to conservation efforts.
Pesto’s fame is a delightful reminder of how remarkable and resilient king penguins are. As this lovable giant continues to grow, he has become an ambassador for his species, reminding the world of the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.
