Pesto, a nine-month-old king penguin at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, has captured the hearts of millions and grown into a social media sensation—literally. At 90 centimetres tall and weighing 22.5 kilograms (49 pounds), Pesto is already bigger than his parents, Tango and Hudson. His rapid growth has astonished fans, with some joking that his “small head on such a large body” is part of his irresistible charm. This surprising size has made Pesto the largest penguin chick ever born at the aquarium, setting a record and generating global attention.
Pesto’s viral rise on platforms like TikTok and Instagram isn’t just about his size. His fluffy brown baby feathers, set to be replaced soon by sleek adult plumage, have made him an even bigger attraction. Videos of his playful antics and feeding frenzies—he eats up to 25 fish a day—have garnered over 1.9 billion views worldwide. His biological father, Blake, is one of the largest and oldest penguins at the aquarium, but it’s his doting foster parents, Tango and Hudson, who are raising him.
Photo: ABC News
Despite his current fame, Pesto’s journey toward adulthood has just begun. As he enters his fledging phase, he will start shedding his fluffy feathers and learning how to swim under the guidance of his parents. Soon, the viral sensation will take on the sleek black-and-white appearance that makes adult king penguins so recognisable.
Photo: CNN
With his massive fan base, Pesto’s star power is helping raise awareness about penguin conservation efforts and the importance of protecting their natural habitats from the threats of climate change. While he may shed his downy feathers, Pesto is sure to remain a star—both at the aquarium and on the global stage.
For those eager to follow his journey, his next steps toward becoming a full-grown penguin are bound to be just as captivating as his meteoric rise on social media.
Top Photo: ABC News
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