SYDNEY, Australia — Pesto, a nine-month-old king penguin chick from Sea Life Melbourne, has taken the internet by storm with his adorable chocolate-brown fluff and impressive size. Weighing in at a whopping 52 pounds, Pesto is the largest penguin chick the aquarium has ever seen, captivating visitors and celebrities alike. U.S. pop star Katy Perry, who is in town for the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final, has become one of Pesto’s biggest fans, expressing her excitement about meeting the “chonky” bird.
The news of Perry’s fascination with the oversized penguin made headlines after she told Channel Seven in an interview that she wanted to “kiss Pesto” during her stay in Melbourne. The singer, known for her love of animals and quirky personality, gushed over the king penguin chick and added to the global buzz surrounding the adorable penguin.
Pesto’s fluffy appearance and unusual size have drawn hundreds of visitors to Sea Life Melbourne, where the young penguin has quickly become the star of the show. King penguins are known for being the second-largest penguin species in the world, but Pesto’s size is exceptional, even for a chick of his breed. At only nine months old, Pesto is already nearly as big as an adult king penguin, making him a true marvel to behold.
The aquarium staff at Sea Life Melbourne have been closely monitoring Pesto’s development, and they were pleasantly surprised by his rapid growth. According to aquarium officials, Pesto’s healthy appetite and ideal living conditions have contributed to his impressive size. “He’s been growing at an extraordinary rate,” said a Sea Life Melbourne spokesperson. “He’s certainly one of a kind, and we’re thrilled that so many people, including Katy Perry, have taken an interest in him.”
Pesto’s internet fame began when photos and videos of the oversized, fluffy chick were shared online, leading to an outpouring of adoration from social media users around the world. The nickname “chonky” quickly stuck, with fans embracing the term as a loving description of his large, huggable appearance. Onlookers have remarked that Pesto looks like a “giant ball of fluff,” a sentiment shared by Perry, who couldn’t contain her excitement about seeing the penguin up close.
Katy Perry’s enthusiasm for Pesto has only added to the penguin’s popularity. The pop star, who is no stranger to Australia, having toured the country several times, told Channel Seven that she had heard about Pesto’s fame and wanted to visit Sea Life Melbourne to meet him in person. “I just have to see him,” Perry said with a laugh. “He’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I want to kiss Pesto!”
Pesto’s growing fanbase isn’t limited to celebrities. Families and tourists from across Australia have flocked to the aquarium to catch a glimpse of the famous chick. Sea Life Melbourne has reported a significant increase in visitor numbers since Pesto’s internet debut, with many visitors specifically asking to see the “chonky penguin.”
“We’ve had people from all over the country come to see Pesto,” said one aquarium employee. “It’s wonderful to see how much joy he’s bringing to everyone. He’s definitely a superstar in his own right.”
Though Pesto is currently covered in chocolate-brown fluff, he will eventually lose his baby feathers and develop the sleek black-and-white appearance characteristic of adult king penguins. However, for now, his fluffiness remains one of his most charming features, and visitors are eager to see him while he’s still in his adorable chick phase.
While Pesto’s fame continues to grow, the aquarium has made sure to keep his well-being a top priority. Staff ensure that Pesto’s environment is conducive to his health and development, providing him with the right nutrition and plenty of space to thrive. His caretakers also monitor his interactions with visitors to ensure that the increased attention doesn’t overwhelm him.
The attention from Katy Perry has undoubtedly boosted Pesto’s international profile. Social media platforms are buzzing with posts about the singer’s affection for the penguin, with many fans sharing her excitement. “If Katy Perry loves Pesto, so do I!” one fan tweeted, echoing the sentiments of many who have been charmed by the penguin’s larger-than-life personality and appearance.
Pesto’s newfound fame serves as a reminder of the impact that animals can have in bringing people together and spreading joy. His story has not only drawn visitors to the aquarium but has also shone a spotlight on king penguins and the importance of conservation efforts for this species. Sea Life Melbourne hopes that Pesto’s popularity will inspire more people to learn about the challenges facing penguins in the wild and take action to protect their habitats.
As for Katy Perry, she’s made it clear that meeting Pesto is on her to-do list while in Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final. Whether or not she gets her wish to kiss the famous penguin, Perry’s public admiration for Pesto has already cemented the bird’s status as a global sensation.
With his fluffy appearance, oversized charm, and now a celebrity endorsement, Pesto the “chonky” penguin chick is well on his way to becoming a beloved icon not just in Australia, but around the world. For now, Pesto continues to waddle his way into the hearts of fans, leaving a trail of smiles and adoration in his wake.