MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A remarkable king penguin chick named Pesto has captured the hearts of many as a social media sensation and a standout attraction at an Australian aquarium. At just 9 months old, Pesto tips the scales at an impressive 22 kilograms (49 pounds), making him the heaviest penguin chick ever recorded at the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, according to education supervisor Jacinta Early.
Pesto’s extraordinary size is particularly notable when compared to his parents, Hudson and Tango, who each weigh 11 kilograms (24 pounds). Budding fame has followed Pesto as his weight has increased. Currently, over 1.9 billion viewers worldwide have seen him on social media, showcasing his adorable antics and charm.
In just the past week, Pesto devoured an impressive 24 kilograms (53 pounds) of fish—a quantity that matches his substantial weight! This diet has been deemed healthy by veterinarians for a chick nearing adulthood, although Pesto is expected to slim down to around 15 kilograms (33 pounds) as he transitions into the fledging stage.
As he matures, Pesto’s growth will plateau, and he has begun to shed his brown feathers in favor of the classic black and white plumage associated with adult penguins. Early noted, “He’s going to start losing that really adorable baby fluff. It might take him one to two months to really get rid of it. Then he’ll be nice and sleek and streamlined.” For now, however, he remains a beloved TikTok star, and Early anticipates that he will maintain his celebrity status for another couple of weeks.
As Pesto continues to grow, his doting caretakers eagerly observe his transition. “Such a small head for such a big body,” commented one member of the admiring crowd during feeding time, as onlookers gathered around the penguin enclosure.
Pesto’s journey began on January 31, making him the only king penguin chick to hatch at the aquarium this year and marking the first since 2022, when they welcomed six chicks. The reasons for the absence last year remain unclear. Adult king penguins typically weigh between 9.5 kilograms (21 pounds) and 18 kilograms (40 pounds) and hold the title of the second largest penguin species in the world, second only to the emperor penguin.
