Australia is a paradise for wildlife lovers, offering some of the world’s most unique, sometimes scary, and many adorable animals. Whether planning a family trip or a solo wildlife adventure, here are four heart-melting animals you can see across Australia.
Pesto the penguin, Melbourne
Meet Pesto – the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium star and its heaviest penguin chick to date.
At just nine months old, Pesto tips the scales at an impressive 21 to 22 kg, all thanks to his appetite for a hearty 25 fish a day––talk about a seafood diet. This little chonk is well on his way to becoming a fully-grown King Penguin, but for now, visitors can enjoy seeing him at his fluffiest and cutest.
What makes Pesto even more special is his lineage. His father, Blake, is not only the largest but also the oldest penguin at the aquarium. However, penguin chicks like Pesto don’t stay this pudgy for long. As he starts to grow into his sleek adult feathers, he’ll lose a good amount of that baby fat.
Pig the dugong, Sydney
While Pesto is undoubtedly the show’s star, Sea Life Sydney is home to many other fascinating creatures worth visiting. Head to Sea Life Aquarium in Sydney, New South Wales, and meet Pig the Dugong, one of the aquarium’s most beloved residents.
Rescued from Forrest Beach in North Queensland, Pig is a gentle giant with a hearty appetite, munching through 30 kg of lettuce daily. With his almost all-day feeding schedule – from 7:30am to 7:30pm – there’s never a bad time to catch him grazing and relaxing in his aquatic habitat.
Paris the Irwin turtle, Beerwah
At Queensland’s Australia Zoo, you can meet Paris, a newly hatched Irwin’s turtle, part of the species that Steve Irwin himself discovered in 1990. As Paris grows, she’ll develop a distinct look with a white and yellow face and a cute pink nose, making her one of the zoo’s most unique inhabitants.
George the wombat, Tasmania
Down in Tasmania, at East Coast Natureworld, George the wombat is capturing hearts as the sanctuary’s latest star. Orphaned after his mother was hit by a car, George now helps raise awareness about the risks wildlife face from vehicles. If you visit this summer, you might spot George and his fellow wombats on their morning walks—an adorable and educational experience for all ages.
And while the sanctuary’s Wombat Walker campaign to keep the rescue wombats active during winter might not return, visiting in the warmer months is a great way to enjoy all the wildlife sanctuary offers.
