Animal Fame Skyrocketing on Social Media: The Case of Pesto the Penguin
By News Fox
In an age where social media can catapult anyone or anything to stardom, a 9-month-old King Penguin named Pesto is rapidly becoming the latest viral sensation. Captivating audiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Pesto has quickly garnered a loyal fan base thanks to his extraordinary size and endearing antics. Hailing from SEA LIFE Melbourne in Australia, this baby penguin inspires both awe and amusement, leading to a flurry of online commentary and questions about his unusually large stature.
Recently, a video shared by the aquarium showcasing Pesto waddling alongside an adult King Penguin has amassed over 2.1 million views. In this clip, the younger penguin’s impressive size is humorously juxtaposed against his older counterpart, with the aquarium affectionately captioning the footage, "Our chonky King workin’ it." The viral success of such posts has led many to wonder: what exactly makes Pesto so big?
SEA LIFE Melbourne was quick to respond to the public’s curiosity, dedicating a section of their website to explain that Pesto’s remarkable size is a product of "good genes and good parents." At a robust 46 pounds, Pesto is the largest penguin chick the aquarium has ever nurtured, thanks in part to his biological father, Blake, who is the biggest and eldest penguin in the facility.
Pesto’s newfound fame points to a broader trend of zoo animals becoming internet darlings, paralleling the case of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus who is also making waves on social media. As these young animals captivate the hearts and screens of people worldwide, they not only highlight the charm of the animal kingdom but also the potent influence of social media in shaping modern narratives.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into Pesto’s story and explore the phenomenon of viral zoo animals changing the dynamics of their homes and the public’s engagement with wildlife.
Pesto, a 9-month-old King Penguin from SEA LIFE Melbourne in Australia, has gained considerable online fame due to his impressive size and engaging videos, particularly on TikTok and Instagram. Pesto, weighing 46 pounds, is the largest penguin chick that the facility has ever cared for. In a TikTok video shared by SEA LIFE Melbourne on September 25, which has garnered over 2.1 million views, Pesto is seen walking behind an adult King Penguin but appears significantly larger. The aquarium attributes Pesto’s size to “good genes and good parents,” noting his biological father, Blake, is the largest and oldest penguin at the aquarium. Pesto currently consumes 25 fish a day and will experience weight changes as he matures and undergoes the process of fledging.
The story of Pesto the baby penguin and Moo Deng the baby pygmy hippo highlights a growing trend of zoo and aquarium animals becoming viral sensations on social media. Pesto, celebrated for his striking size and adorable waddles, has become a household name with millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This widespread attention has led to a dedicated section on SEA LIFE Melbourne’s website addressing fan questions about Pesto’s grand stature, attributing it to a combination of genetics from his robust father Blake and excellent upbringing.
The aquarium’s regular updates on Pesto’s diet of 25 fish per day and his future transition through fledging provide fans with an ongoing narrative to follow. This transparency and engagement not only boost Pesto’s popularity but also emphasize the aquarium’s commitment to education and animal care.
Similarly, Moo Deng the baby pygmy hippo is making waves on the internet, notably increasing foot traffic to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. Her charm has led the zoo to pursue a patent for her and consider launching a live stream, indicating a new era where zoos and aquariums leverage social media virality to enhance visitor engagement and support conservation efforts.
Both cases underscore the power of social media in transforming the profiles of animal residents, reinforcing their roles as ambassadors for their species, and garnering public support for wildlife conservation. With their growing online fanbase, Pesto and Moo Deng are more than just cute faces—they are catalysts for greater awareness and appreciation of animal life.