Pesto the Penguin Begins Molting, Captivating Fans Worldwide

The young king penguin at Melbourne Aquarium is shedding his baby feathers as he transitions into adulthood.

Pesto, a king penguin chick, is in the midst of his first molt at SEA Life Melbourne Aquarium, shedding brown down for sleek, waterproof feathers.
This molting process, which can last up to six weeks, is a critical developmental phase as Pesto prepares for independence and swimming.
Pesto has become a viral sensation, amassing over 2 billion views online, with fans captivated by his transformation and impressive size.
During molting, king penguin chicks rely on stored fat, as feeding from parents typically decreases, leading to potential weight loss.
While not yet threatened, king penguins like Pesto face potential risks from climate change and overfishing, which could impact wild populations.