See Pesto the viral baby penguin grow up as he sheds brown feathers in new photos

After reaching stardom in September, the king penguin chick is beginning to shed his brown feathers in exchange for new waterproof ones as he transitions into adulthood.

Pesto is growing up!

After reaching stardom in September, the king penguin chick is beginning to shed his brown feathers in exchange for new waterproof ones as he transitions into adulthood.

Pesto before shedding his brown feathers in exchange for new waterproof ones in his enclosure at Australia's Sea Life Melbourne.SEA LIFE Melbourne AquariumPesto, who lives at the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium in Australia, is nearing the final stages of his first molt. It’s a crucial phase in a king penguin’s life because it signifies the start of independence as they prepare to leave the colony, according to the aquarium.

King penguin chicks experience their first molt around 10 months old and the process can last up to six weeks, per the aquarium. Since molting requires baby chicks to use a lot of energy, the animals often lose weight as they form their new, sleek feathers.

Pesto is currently "mid-molt," with a mixed appearance comprised of baby feathers and his new coat.Alex Frank / Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium “As Pesto sheds his juvenile feathers and develops his sleek, waterproof adult plumage, he’s beginning to look more like an adult king penguin and is almost ready to dive into the next stage of life as part of the colony,” a rep for the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium shares with TODAY.com.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/animal-news/pesto-penguin-photos-rcna179449

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