Melbourne, Australia – Pesto the penguin has captured the hearts of people worldwide with his unique appearance and larger-than-life personality. Among the colony of black and white penguins at the Sea Life Aquarium in Melbourne, this fluffy and hefty chick has become a viral sensation, earning nicknames like “fatty”, “absolute unit”, and “linebacker”.
Born in January weighing only 200g, Pesto has quickly grown to an impressive 22.5kg at just nine months old, making him the largest chick ever seen at the aquarium. Marine biologist Jacinta Early explains that Pesto’s size is a combination of genetics and exceptional care from his foster parents, Tango and Hudson.
Despite his fluffy appearance and hefty appetite of up to 30 fish per day, Ms. Early assures that Pesto is healthy and will naturally shed his baby fluff as he matures. She describes Pesto as a social butterfly who enjoys interacting with keepers and annoying adult penguins like any mischievous toddler would.
Pesto’s popularity has led to an influx of visitors at the penguin exhibit, with many guests specifically asking for him by name. This unexpected fame has even led to Pesto being compared to Thailand’s beloved baby pygmy hippo in terms of online adoration.
While managing Pesto’s media schedule, Olivia Wilson marvels at the penguin’s global reach and mentions his presence in various news outlets worldwide. With an estimated audience of 5 billion people, Pesto has become an internet sensation and a favorite topic of conversation in many countries. The overwhelming response to Pesto has even led to comparisons to cryptocurrency trading, showcasing the extent of his fame.
As Pesto continues to charm audiences near and far, the staff at Sea Life Melbourne remains delighted by the attention he has received. Whether it’s his adorable appearance or quirky antics, it’s clear that Pesto’s star is shining bright in the world of penguin fandom.