Meet Pesto: Australia’s Enormous Baby Penguin Stealing Hearts and Making Waves at Sea Life Melbourne

On a remarkable note, an aquarium in Australia proudly welcomes its most extraordinary resident: the largest baby penguin ever observed. Meet Pesto, a 9-month-old king penguin who has astonished onlookers by tipping the scales at nearly 50 pounds, surpassing the combined weight of both his parents. Nestled in the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Pesto's incredible journey has captivated the hearts of visitors since he hatched on January 30. From the outset, this fluffy young bird has not only surprised the aquarium staff with his remarkable growth but has also captured the affection of all who encounter him.

Pesto the Penguin, Australia's nearly 50-pound baby penguin

By April 24, at the tender age of 3 months, Pesto had already reached a weight of 9.1 kilograms, equivalent to approximately 20 pounds. In contrast, his foster parents, Hudson and Tango, weighed in at 11 kg, about 24 pounds each. Pesto's impressive size soon eclipsed that of his adoptive parents, creating a comically endearing appearance that left aquarium staff in awe. According to Melbourne aquarist Jacinta Early, Pesto's substantial size has made him a delightful sight to behold.

Record-Breaking Growth

As September kicked in, Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium revealed that Pesto had reached a weight of just over 46 pounds, a milestone that left both staff and visitors astonished. By the close of the month, Pesto's weight had climbed to an astonishing 49 pounds—an impressive feat that solidified his status as a true heavyweight among penguins. The aquarium credits various factors for Pesto's remarkable weight, including his biological father, Blake, who holds the title of the largest and oldest penguin in the facility, as well as the exceptional care provided by his foster parents. The combination of strong genetic lineage and nurturing guardians has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Pesto's exceptional growth.

Pesto's Eating Habits

Another contributing factor to Pesto's impressive weight is his voracious appetite. According to Early, the young penguin consumes an astonishing 30 fish that are hand-fed to him daily, a testament to his robust and healthy appetite. This remarkable feeding regimen has undoubtedly fueled Pesto's rapid growth, making him the talk of the aquarium and beyond.

Penguin Species Insights

King penguins are known to be the second-largest penguin species worldwide, with fledging typically occurring between 14 and 16 months of age. While male penguins are generally slightly larger than their female counterparts, Pesto's size far exceeds the average penguin dimensions, with peak weights during courting periods reaching between 10 and 15 kg (22 to 33 pounds). This sets Pesto apart as a truly exceptional specimen within the king penguin species, showcasing not only his impressive weight but also his striking appearance.

Pesto's fame has soared beyond the confines of the aquarium, as videos showcasing his antics have taken the internet by storm. The aquarium's social media posts featuring Pesto have garnered widespread attention, with even pop superstar Katy Perry expressing her admiration for the plump penguin. One TikTok video, featuring aquarium staff dancing with Pesto to one of Perry's songs, has amassed over 4 million views, further solidifying Pesto's status as a social media sensation.

Perry's playful response, offering to pay a visit to Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium before her anticipated performance at the Australian Football League's grand final, added an extra layer of excitement to Pesto's burgeoning fame. The charismatic penguin's endearing waddles and charming demeanor have endeared him to countless individuals, transcending geographical boundaries and captivating hearts across the globe.

Notably, Pesto holds the distinction of being the only king penguin to hatch at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium this year and the first since 2022. This rare occurrence underscores the significance of Pesto's arrival, as king penguin hatchings in the aquarium have been limited in recent years. In 2022, only six hatchlings were recorded, underscoring Pesto's remarkable status as a cherished addition to the aquarium's family. His unique position as the sole king penguin hatchling in 2023 further elevates his charm, making him a true gem within the Melbourne Aquarium community.