World's Largest Baby Penguin Pesto Celebrates Gender Reveal at Melbourne Aquarium
Pesto, the world's largest baby penguin at SEA LIFE Aquarium, has recently been confirmed as a male after a blood test. At nine months, he weighs 21kg, significantly surpassing both parents. To celebrate his gender reveal, the aquarium staff enjoyed a festive event, marking a joyful occasion for both visitors and the king penguin colony. Pesto's exciting journey continues as he approaches swimming lessons and the transition from fluffy chick to fledgling.
Pesto, the wildly popular baby penguin at the SEA LIFE Aquarium in Melbourne, has garnered attention this year for setting records as the largest chick in the aquarium's history. After nine months of care, the aquarium confirmed that Pesto is a male, marking a notable occasion for both the penguin and the facility.
Understanding Gender Determination in King Penguins
Senior keeper Michaela Smale explained that king penguins are non-sexually dimorphic, meaning their sex cannot be easily identified by external traits. To determine Pesto's gender, the aquarium had to send a small blood sample to a lab for analysis. The results revealed that Pesto is a boy, which is significant for the future of the penguin colony, especially given that the previous hatchlings were all female.
The Joyful Gender Reveal Celebration
In a unique twist, Michaela, who has cared for Pesto since his hatching, performed the gender reveal by unearthing blue ice from a pile of snow. Following the reveal, Pesto’s parents, Hudson and Tango, along with the rest of the king penguin colony, were allowed to join in the celebration. The event even included a special gender-reveal cake for the staff, highlighting the joyful atmosphere surrounding Pesto’s growth.
Pesto’s Remarkable Growth and Diet
Since his birth in February, Pesto has shown extraordinary growth, surpassing his parents in size by six months. At nine months, he weighs an impressive 21 kg, which is 11 kg more than his parents. His daily diet consists of 25 fish, demonstrating the nutritional care he receives. Despite his size, Pesto’s parents continue to nurture him with attention and dedication, showcasing their expertise in raising king penguin chicks.
Upcoming Milestones for Pesto
Pesto is entering an exciting phase in his life, where he will shed his fluffy feathers and begin swimming lessons. Visitors to SEA LIFE Melbourne have the opportunity to engage with Pesto through the Penguin Passport experience, allowing them to get closer to these captivating birds.
