Pesto the Penguin: Viral Sensation and Largest Chick at Melbourne Aquarium

At nine months old, Pesto weighs as much as his parents combined and has captured the hearts of over 1.9 billion social media viewers.

Pesto, a king penguin chick at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, weighs 22 kilograms (49 pounds) at nine months old, making him the heaviest chick the aquarium has ever had.
He consumes 25 fish a day, more than his own body weight, which is considered healthy for a chick approaching adulthood.
Pesto has become a global social media star, with over 1.9 billion views on various platforms.
He is beginning to lose his brown baby feathers and will soon develop the black and white plumage of a young adult, during which his weight is expected to decrease to around 15 kilograms (33 pounds).
Pesto is the only king penguin chick to hatch at the aquarium this year and the first since 2022, contributing to his unique status and widespread attention.