Video. WATCH: Pesto the giant penguin steals hearts at Melbourne Aquarium [Video]

Weighing 22 kilogrammes at just nine months old, Pesto tips the scales at double the weight of his foster parents, Hudson and Tango.

With over 1.9 billion views online, Pesto’s charm has captivated fans worldwide. His large size is credited to his strong genes and dedicated parents, though he’s expected to slim down after fledging.

Visitors and online followers have delighted in his comic waddling and playful behaviour.

The king penguin, the world’s second largest penguin species, is native to the southern hemisphere. Once hunted for its fat and feathers, it is now fully protected from commercial exploitation.