At Sea Life Melbourne, an extraordinary king penguin chick named Pesto has become the center of attention, drawing crowds of visitors and even catching the eye of international pop sensation Katy Perry. The nine-month-old chick, born in December 2023, has gained fame for his remarkable size and endearing appearance.
Pesto, weighing an impressive 23.5 kg (52 lb), has surpassed expectations by more than doubling the combined weight of his parents. This makes him the largest chick ever recorded at Sea Life Melbourne. King penguins, known for their ability to dive to depths of 100-300 meters in search of food, typically reach weights of 11-16 kg as adults.
The chick's chocolate-brown, fluffy appearance is a characteristic feature of king penguin juveniles. This plumage, consisting of four-layer feathers, plays a crucial role in keeping the chicks warm during the harsh sub-Antarctic winters. As Pesto matures, he will shed this baby fuzz and develop the sleek, waterproof feathers typical of adult king penguins.
Katy Perry, who is scheduled to perform at the Australian Football League Grand Final on September 28, 2024, expressed her enthusiasm for Pesto during an interview with Channel Seven. The pop star's interest has further boosted the chick's already significant popularity.
Michaela Smale, Pesto's primary caretaker since his hatching, shared insights into the chick's care routine. The team at Sea Life Melbourne feeds Pesto 25 fish daily, supporting his growth and development. This intensive care mirrors the dedication of king penguin parents in the wild, who typically provide parental care for over a year.
King penguins are known for their unique breeding habits. Unlike many other bird species, they do not build nests but instead incubate their eggs on their feet for about 55 days. This adaptation allows them to breed on the rocky shores of sub-Antarctic islands.
Pesto's gender reveal event in early September 2024 generated significant buzz on social media platforms. The revelation that Pesto is male was particularly exciting for the aquarium staff, as Smale noted, "Our last king penguins that hatched were all female."
The chick's popularity extends beyond the aquarium walls, with his videos on TikTok garnering millions of likes. This social media presence has helped raise awareness about king penguins, a species that faced extensive hunting in the 19th century but has since recovered to an estimated population of 2.23 million breeding pairs globally.
As Pesto continues to grow, visitors can expect to see changes in his appearance. King penguins undergo a complete molt once a year, replacing all their feathers over a 3-4 week period. This process is crucial for maintaining the penguins' insulation and hydrodynamic properties, allowing them to swim at speeds up to 12 km/h (7.5 mph) in search of fish and squid.
While Pesto's current size is impressive, it's important to note that king penguins can live up to 20 years in the wild and even longer in captivity. As he matures, Pesto will develop the distinctive yellow-orange patches on the side of his head, a hallmark of adult king penguins.
The story of Pesto not only entertains but also educates the public about these remarkable birds. From their ability to drink saltwater thanks to specialized glands to their monogamous breeding habits, king penguins continue to fascinate scientists and animal enthusiasts alike.
As Pesto grows and develops under the care of his parents, Tango and Hudson, along with the dedicated staff at Sea Life Melbourne, he serves as an ambassador for his species, inspiring conservation efforts and fostering a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity of our planet's polar regions.