In a sea of sleek black and white penguins at an acclaimed Australian aquarium, one adorable baby penguin is making headlines. Pesto, a chocolatey brown and exceptionally fluffy chick, towers over his foster parents and weighs more than both combined.
Nicknamed “the fatty”, “absolute unit”, and “linebacker”, this charming chick has skyrocketed to viral fame, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide, including notable celebrities.
Pesto’s popularity knows no bounds—he has reached billions through social media channels, graced morning television across major networks, and attracted visitors from around the globe to Melbourne’s aquarium.
Born in January at a mere 200g (7oz), the now nine-month-old king penguin has grown to an astonishing 22.5kg (50lb)—making him the largest chick the aquarium has ever hosted.
Typically, penguin chicks gain some “healthy baby chub” after hatching, but the aquarium had no inkling that Pesto would grow this large, according to the staff.
“It’s a combination of nature and nurture,” a marine biologist explained.
Pesto’s biological traits add to his impressive size, as his father is notably tall, and his foster parents have taken exceptional care of him. “He eclipses them now, which creates a comically large appearance,” she remarked.
Receiving multiple hand-feedings daily, Pesto’s substantial weight is also due to his “very healthy appetite,” as he consumes up to 30 fish each day.
Despite his size, he is healthy and primarily fluff. Soon, he’ll begin to shed some weight naturally, transitioning from baby fluff to a sleeker adult penguin form.
“He’s already losing some of his baby feathers, but there’s more to him than just his cuddly looks,” the marine biologist added.
Described as a “social butterfly,” Pesto is known for his charming whistle and playful antics, often annoying the adult penguins as any typical toddler would.
He is the first to greet keepers and even responds to his name. “We have our favorites, but Pesto seems to have a soft spot for all the keepers,” she noted.
The bond Pesto has formed with the public has been nothing short of remarkable. The aquarium has experienced a surge in visitors during school holidays as guests flock to his exhibit, often asking to see “where’s Pesto?”.
Olivia Wilson, who manages Pesto’s media engagement, humorously compared his allure to that of major sporting events in the region, noting that Pesto has gained remarkable international attention.
Pesto has garnered an estimated audience of around 5 billion, surpassing other viral animal sensations in popularity.
His rising fame has even led to playful comparisons, suggesting that he is on a path to become the internet’s newest favorite animal.
