Melbourne aquarium's newest member may be called Pesto but the creature isn't slurping up pasta to pack on the pounds.
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Sea Life Melbourne on Thursday introduced a king penguin chick, Pesto, after its birth on January 30.
The fluffy chick has since grown to 9.1kg on a steady diet of nutrient-rich fish, and its gender will be confirmed in coming months.
Pesto has been making waves in the nursery at the penguin playground exhibit with its playful antics and insatiable curiosity with parents, Hudson and Tango.
The aquarium said the chick has been thriving under the watchful eyes of keepers and hailed the birth as a significant milestone.
"Our team is delighted to welcome Pesto as the newest member of our sub-Antarctic penguin colony," penguin keeper Rhianne Manners said.
''It's a privilege to play a role in the conservation of these magnificent creatures and to share their beauty with our guests."
Australian Associated Press
