A fluffy, chocolate-brown coat, taller than his parents and weighing more than both of them combined, this is Pesto, the star king penguin chick at Sea Life Melbourne. Here's the story of the viral phenomenon.
A king penguin like no other
Pesto was born in January 2024, at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. At birth, he weighed just 200 grams, a normal weight for a king penguin chick, but in just a few months, he has grown to an impressive 22.5 kg, double the weight of his adoptive parents Tango and Hudson, who weigh between 11 and 12 kg respectively.
Thus becoming the largest chick that the aquarium has ever recorded, as a reminder, its father, Blake (biological), would be the largest and oldest penguin in the aquarium, they specify.
While his unusual appearance has contributed to his popularity, it is his lively behavior that has kept his admirers. Indeed, visitors and Internet users flock to see him, and according to the aquarium's keeper, Michaela Smale, “Pesto has a bold and confident personality.”
He interacts with humans and annoys other adult penguins. Finally, he is also one of the first to greet the keepers. “He loves his keepers and is often the first to come and chirp at us in the morning for breakfast.” Finally, he would even respond to his name, a rare behavior for a penguin.
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A champion's diet
Pesto's weight gain is partly due to his impressive diet. Aquarium manager Jacinta Early told British media outlet ABC that penguins usually gain weight after hatching, but Pesto has exceeded all expectations. His insatiable appetite allows him to eat up to 30 fish a day. But this is far from worrying, his weight gain is part of a natural process, the manager explained that “he will start to lose weight as he transitions from his baby down to adult plumage” Indeed, according to Ms Smale, king penguin chicks must gain weight very early to survive Arctic temperatures before they become waterproof.
Pesto is therefore not in danger. The aquarium veterinarians ensure that he is in good health and assure that as he grows he will lose his down and a lot of weight.
Pesto, an internet star and world star
Pesto's popularity doesn't stop in Melbourne, he has also won over an international audience. In fact, his story has been relayed by many media outlets and on social networks, reaching for some accounts an audience of 5 billion according to the British media BBC.
Among its most famous fans is even the singer Katy Perry. Olivia Wilson, who manages the communication around Pesto, affirmed that the craze for Pesto exceeds all expectations.
Indeed, Pesto has become an unexpected ambassador for penguins and conservation programs.
King penguins, a species like no other
Aptenodytes patagonicus, Their scientific name, king penguins, represent the second largest species of penguin after the emperor penguin.
These impressive birds can measure up to 95 cm and weigh between 11 and 15 kg when adult, as specified by the specialized website of the National Inventory of Natural Heritage (INPN), even if the weight varies according to the time of year due to the breeding and fasting phases.
They live mainly on the islands north of Antarctica and are distinguished by their plumage, with orange markings on the neck and head.
King penguins are devoted parents. In fact, the couple takes turns incubating the egg for about two months. They also feed by hunting, having the ability to dive to depths of up to 300 meters to catch fish, cephalopods and crustaceans.
Sources : Iflsciences, BBC, ABC, Oiseaux.net, SealifeMelbourne, INPN
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
