Pesto is a King Penguin chick associated with SEA LIFE Melbourne whose size became an international viral story in September 2024. News reports recorded different weights at different times, but all described a fluffy, growing chick—not a permanently giant adult. Keepers expected him to lose weight as he fledged and replaced his brown chick feathers with adult plumage.
Who is Pesto the penguin?
Pesto is a King Penguin chick associated with SEA LIFE Melbourne in Australia. Reports and aquarium social posts brought him international attention in September 2024, when he was about nine months old.
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Pesto is a King Penguin, not an Emperor Penguin. His fame came from his conspicuous size as a chick, not from being a new species or a verified world-record holder.
How big was Pesto the penguin?
Published weights are dated snapshots, and reports gave different figures. Rather than treating any one figure as a timeless measurement, compare the reports by source and context.
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| Source and context | Reported weight |
|---|---|
| ABC News image caption, describing Pesto at nine months, 2024 | 21 kilograms |
| ABC News, quoting keeper Michaela Smale, 2024 | 22.5 kilograms |
| Associated Press, reporting his weight at nine months, 2024 | 22 kilograms |
These figures differ because they come from separate reports and contexts. The dossier does not establish a single definitive maximum weight, so it is best to attribute each number rather than combine or average them.
Why was Pesto so big?
King Penguin chicks gain substantial weight before they develop waterproof adult feathers. ABC News reported that chicks are not yet waterproof at this stage; keepers expected Pesto to lose weight as he shed his brown down and fledged.
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His fluffy chick coat also gave him a bulkier appearance than the sleek plumage of adult penguins. ABC News quoted keeper Jacinta Early saying, “He is a chunky monkey, but he is healthy.” His size was a striking stage in his development, not evidence that he was unhealthy or would remain that large as an adult.
How did Pesto compare with his foster parents?
The Associated Press reported that Pesto’s foster parents, Hudson and Tango, weighed about 11 kilograms each. Its report put Pesto at 22 kilograms at nine months, making the comparison striking, but these are reported figures from that time—not a prediction of his adult size.
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What did Pesto eat?
The Associated Press reported that Pesto ate 24 kilograms of fish during the week described by aquarium education supervisor Jacinta Early. That is a weekly figure from the report, not a daily feeding amount.
What was Pesto like?
ABC News quoted keeper Michaela Smale describing Pesto as having “a bold confident personality.” She also said, “He loves his keepers and is often the first to come chirping up to us in the morning for some breakfast.” These are keeper observations reported in September 2024.
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How should visitors behave around the penguins?
Keepers cautioned that banging on the exhibit acrylic, using flash photography, or trying to make a penguin follow a finger can stress the birds. Follow aquarium staff instructions and observe the penguins calmly.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you visit Pesto?
SEA LIFE Melbourne currently describes a Penguin Passport encounter with its penguin colony, including close access to King and Gentoo Penguins and behind-the-scenes details. The encounter is subject to availability, and the official description does not promise that Pesto will be present. Check the aquarium’s current information before planning a visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of penguin is Pesto?
Pesto is a King Penguin chick associated with SEA LIFE Melbourne. He is not an Emperor Penguin.
How much did Pesto weigh?
Reports from 2024 gave different snapshots: ABC News reported 21 kilograms in an image caption and quoted a keeper giving 22.5 kilograms; the Associated Press reported 22 kilograms at nine months. Attribute the figure to its source and context.
Will Pesto stay that big?
Keepers expected him to lose weight as he fledged and replaced his brown chick feathers with adult plumage. Those comments were a forecast reported in 2024, not confirmation of his present weight or status.
How much fish did Pesto eat?
The Associated Press reported that he ate 24 kilograms of fish during the week described by aquarium education supervisor Jacinta Early. Do not mistake this reported weekly amount for a daily figure.
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No. SEA LIFE Melbourne describes its Penguin Passport encounter with the colony but does not guarantee a Pesto sighting. Check the current official information and availability before visiting.
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