Pesto the Penguin may have started life as just another hatchling at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, but within months, he became an internet sensation. Covered in a thick coat of chocolate-brown down and outweighing the adults in his colony, this King Penguin chick left viewers around the world asking: Is he real? How can a baby penguin be that big?
The answer is in Pesto’s unique blend of genetics, expert care, and biology. And in the story of how one oversized chick became a global wildlife ambassador.
From Hatchling to “Absolute Unit”
Pesto hatched on January 30, 2024, weighing just under 200 grams, which is about the size of a large chicken egg (NPR). Within nine months, he tipped the scales at 22.5 kilograms, making him the largest penguin chick in the aquarium’s history (Guardian Australia).
For context, adult King Penguins average 12–16 kg. Pesto was not only heavier than his foster parents combined, but also nearly as tall as a fully grown penguin, about 90 cm (Al Jazeera).
“Firstly, his biological dad, Blake, is our biggest and oldest penguin. Secondly, he’s had amazing parents raising him,” — SEA LIFE Melbourne statement
Why Was Pesto So Big?
Genetics
Pesto’s father, Blake, is the largest and oldest King Penguin at SEA LIFE Melbourne, standing over a meter tall. That genetic blueprint set Pesto on a path for size from day one.
Diet and Care
Pesto ate like a champion; 25–32 fish a day at his peak chick phase (People). His foster parents, Tango and Hudson, fed him constantly, supported by keepers ensuring he never experienced the food shortages that wild chicks face in winter.
In the wild, King Penguin chicks gain substantial fat reserves to survive months when their parents are away at sea. Pesto had the same instinct to bulk up, but with an uninterrupted food supply, his weight soared beyond what’s typical.
“Pesto has been receiving way more food than any chick in the wild could dream of, and of course, he did not experience the long winter fast.” — Dr. Barbara Wienecke, Australian Antarctic Division biologist (NatGeo)
The Fledging Transformation
By October 2024, Pesto entered the molting phase, shedding his fluffy brown coat for sleek waterproof plumage. This process is energy-intensive, so he burned through much of his stored fat.
By his first birthday in January 2025, Pesto weighed around 14.6 kg, a normal healthy weight for a young male King Penguin. His once-rotund figure had given way to the streamlined build of an elegant juvenile (Time Out Melbourne).
Life at the Aquarium
Pesto remains a star at SEA LIFE Melbourne, drawing visitors from around the globe. His daily routine includes:
- Swimming with colony mates in the Penguin Playground exhibit
- Enrichment activities like chasing a toy soccer ball or exploring bubble machines
- Social bonding—keepers say he has a “flirtatious friendship” with a female penguin named Pudding (ABC News)
- Perching on his favorite “tall rock” to preen and, perhaps, pose for photos
Celebrity Visitors and Global Fame
Pesto’s fame spread to an estimated 1.9 billion people through social media (WCNC). His viral videos caught the attention of pop stars:
- Katy Perry visited during her Australian tour in September 2024
- Olivia Rodrigo posted TikToks with Pesto that reached hundreds of thousands of views
These encounters, alongside global media coverage from BBC, Smithsonian, NPR, and National Geographic, cemented Pesto as perhaps the most famous King Penguin alive.
More Than Just Cute: Conservation Impact
SEA LIFE Melbourne uses Pesto’s popularity to educate visitors about penguin biology and conservation. Keeper talks explain how climate change and overfishing threaten penguin food supplies, and how chicks in the wild rely on healthy oceans to survive their first winter.
Pesto’s upbringing also showcases best-practice animal welfare in captivity:
- Foster parenting to ensure chick survival
- Veterinary oversight and weight monitoring
- Enrichment programs to promote natural behaviors
Final Thoughts
From a 200-gram hatchling to a 23-kg “chonky” chick, Pesto’s growth has been extraordinary, but his impact goes beyond size. He has sparked global curiosity about penguins, inspired discussions about conservation, and become a living example of expert animal care.
As of August 2025, Pesto is thriving as a healthy, active juvenile, still slightly larger than average but otherwise just another member of his King Penguin colony, albeit one with millions of fans watching.
FAQs
Where is Pesto now?
At SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, where he is part of the King Penguin colony.
Why was he so big as a chick?
A combination of genetics from his large father, constant feeding from devoted foster parents, and absence of winter food shortages.
Has he stayed that big?
No. After molting into adult feathers, his weight settled at ~15 kg, normal for a healthy young male King Penguin.
What’s his personality like?
Curious, confident, and playful. He enjoys enrichment activities and social interaction.
Did celebrities meet him?
Yes. Katy Perry and Olivia Rodrigo both visited him at SEA LIFE Melbourne.
