Pesto The Penguin Might Just Be Australia's Moo Deng And We Can't Deal With The Cuteness

    Remember when SZA sang "I need a big boy, give me a big boy" on SNL? He's at Melbourne's SEA LIFE Aquarium.

    Angeline Barion
    by Angeline Barion

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Lately, the internet has been obsessed with the irresistible cuteness of Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus living in Thailand.

    Which Moo Deng are you today? pic.twitter.com/giwJHaHHet

    — 💖 (@twaniimals) September 19, 2024
    Twitter: @twaniimals

    She's gone certifiably viral across multiple social platforms and it's not hard to see why. Just look at those eyes:

    Moo Deng debuts new teeth pic.twitter.com/76aQv5nm1L

    — 💖 (@twaniimals) September 25, 2024
    Twitter: @twaniimals

    It seems the obsession has made its way Down Under, with Aussies feeling serious cuteness FOMO. But unfortunately, we can't all escape to Thailand just to see Moo Deng.

    A Google search bar with the suggestion "how to visit moo deng" visible
    BuzzFeed

    Luckily, clips of another adorable creature with a more local home base have begun circulating to soothe the longing for a glimpse at Moo Deng.

    Introducing, Pesto the (absolute unit) Penguin!

    WENT BACK TO SEE PESTO THE PENGUIN. THE DEFINITION OF ABSOLUTE UNIT pic.twitter.com/Z4bHGNDN2v

    — mj (@bigdybbukenergy) September 21, 2024
    Twitter: @bigdybbukenergy

    The Melbourne SEA LIFE Aquarium resident has taken over the internet because of his sheer size and biggggg appetite (AKA eating 24 kilograms of fish in a single week). His existence is a feat for his species of King penguins. At just nine months old, he's already weighing in at over 22kg — above average even for an adult.

    everyone so obsessed with moo deng but why is no one talking about pesto the baby penguin that is BIGGER THAN BOTH ITS PARENTS OH MY GOD WHAT THE FUCK pic.twitter.com/M1Mos49gt7

    — tate (@50FirstTates) September 19, 2024
    Twitter: @50FirstTates

    Locals and even people from other Aussie states are heading into the CBD establishment to catch an eyeful of Pesto. Here's what they're sharing online:

    Can we all just stop and take a moment to appreciate what an ABSOLUTE UNIT this 9 month old King Penguin is?

    I love him so much. I would get a Pesto the penguin tattoo if I had the money for it. pic.twitter.com/F2lrezIchl

    — Freya (@freya_haze) September 21, 2024
    Twitter: @freya_haze

    TikTok @sealifemelbourneaquarium

    with pesto becoming famous an allat i present to you this pic i took of him in feb this yr at sealife bc i noticed he was fkn massive and still had the baby fluff

    i had no idea penguins could loaf? bro was jus layin there lol pic.twitter.com/NuTdyxL32v

    — rin リン 🔗🤲 (@mxndar1n_) September 24, 2024
    Twitter: @mxndar1n_

    @baileyluvsbees

    record breaking baby

    ♬ gilmore lala - <3
    TikTok @baileyluvsbees / Via tiktok.com

    I am making it my life's mission to go see Pesto the penguin

    LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THIS UNIT pic.twitter.com/RStFAJAstd

    — 🐧 Ivo 🐧 (@_AIIFiction) September 24, 2024
    Twitter: @_AIIFiction

    Pesto the Penguin is Bunny, the 4th Powerpuff girl in the episode TWISTED SISTER pic.twitter.com/xn2QLC8JQq

    — hamberger helpmeet (@madihamberger) September 22, 2024
    Twitter: @madihamberger

    Are you guys team moo deng or pesto the penguin pic.twitter.com/xy5ArY8D19

    — she-ra 🦥 ☽☾ (@korranator) September 25, 2024
    Twitter: @korranator

    TikTok @chalowey

    saw pesto the fat penguin with my own eyes today with Man (we also told each other that we like each other today so .. RAGH) pic.twitter.com/pOjYSYpYqG

    — ₊˚✧ augs ☘️ (@STUPID4STEDDIE) September 20, 2024
    Twitter: @STUPID4STEDDIE

    A visit to Melbourne's SEA LIFE Aquarium might have you seeing a different side of Pesto very soon. His fur is set to molt in the coming months as he transitions from chick life to adult smoothness. So, if you want to see him in all of his fluffy glory, you'd better get there quick.

    Who are your favourite cute animals? Share them down in the comments below!

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