WINSTON WEEKLY^[1]

September 29, 2024

Vol. 2, No. 39

PESTO THE PENGUIN

I recalled one of my favorite questions from a kindergartner when reading a recent article about the baby penguin, Pesto: “Why are penguins always dressed up?”[2] As with most questions posed by kindergartners, I was at a loss for an answer. I instead asked, “Do you suppose they ever wear tennis shoes and sweatpants?” The young boy and his classmates shrieked and giggled as they questioned whether penguins have favorite tennis shoes, how they tie shoes, and whether sweatpants fit over their feet.

In continuing to develop ideas for workshops and books, I will draw on inspiration from Pesto and questions children are bound to ask about the king penguin born at the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Although less than a pound when born earlier this year, Pesto now weighs 51.8 pounds, almost 13 pounds more than his father. Pesto has yet to look “dressed up” because he continues shedding his fuzzy down before revealing the well-known black, white, and orange plumage.  

The Melbourne Aquarium offers a Junior Penguin Keeper option where children can learn the details of caring for penguins and conduct an exam on a plushie penguin.   For anyone seeking a career change or career opportunity, ZipRecruiter and Indeed list more than 30 penguin keeper jobs, ranging from $19-32/hour, with preference for those with experience in animal husbandry with an avian emphasis.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY

A deep dive into penguins provides many lessons, from math to food to physics to the environment. Did you know that some penguins swallow stones to reduce buoyancy while diving? Or that penguins have annual fasting periods? Expand your knowledge of penguins by exploring one of the resources below or check out the Second Edition of Penguins The Ultimate Guide published in 2022 by Princeton University Press.

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[1] Copyright September 29, 2024. Winston Weekly is a weekly newsletter and blog by Alysen Bayles available at www.baylesconnect.com or by e-mail at baylesconnect@gmail.com. Please feel free to share with the appropriate attribute.

[2] Resources: Sarah Kuta, Meet Pesto, Smithsonian Magazine Sept. 26, 2024; Global News on YouTube; Wikipedia on Pesto; www.visitsealife.com/melbourne; https://penguins.detroitzoo.org.