Swans or Lions? Viral penguin Pesto from Sea Life Melbourne aquarium predicts 2024 AFL grand final winner

September 27, 2024

An adorable and internet-famous king penguin chick named Pesto has predicted this year’s AFL grand final winner.

Staff at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, where Pesto lives, presented the chunky baby with two fish-filled buckets, one with the Sydney Swans logo and the other with the Brisbane Lions.

Waiting in anticipation his handlers held out fresh fish, beckoning Pesto towards them.

The nine-month-old doubtlessly waddled over to the red and white bucket, backing in the Sydney Swans to win this year’s grand final before gobbling up a few fishy rewards in the process.

The sweet clip was shared online which garnered mixed reactions from humoured footy fans.

“That’s just bird-bias. Go Lions!,” one commenter wrote.

“Can’t wait for the fi also this weekend. Thanks Pesto for supporting the SWANS!! ,” another added.

“Putting my life savings on the Swans, thanks Pesto,” a third chimed in.

Pesto shot to fame online for his astonishing size, weighing in at 23.5kg. He weighs more than his parents Tango and Hudson combined.

Having reached an audience of billions, the fat baby has attracted a massive fanbase, including pop princess Kate Perry who visited him this week ahead of her grand final performance.

In a video shared to Instagram, Perry visited the fluffy cutie, entering his enclosure to blow bubbles for him — one of his favourite pass times.

“Visited Pesto last night. he told me who will win in the AFL grand final tomorrow but my beak is sealed,” Perry captioned the post.

Camera IconPop superstar Katy Perry has finally met Pesto the penguin after revealing she wanted to ‘kiss Pesto’ during her trip to Melbourne. Credit: Instagram