MELBOURNE – Sphen, the beloved penguin in a same-sex couple that touched hearts worldwide, has passed away at 11 years old, an announcement made by a Sydney aquarium on Thursday.
Sphen and his partner Magic, a male gentoo penguin, gained fame in 2018 when they decided to build a nest together with hopes of raising chicks at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.
Their story captured the attention of many, as they successfully raised two chicks in 2018 and 2020. Their relationship was not only celebrated in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras but also included in the New South Wales state education curriculum and mentioned in the show “Atypical” on Netflix. Their bond has been documented in various books and film documentaries.
It’s not uncommon for penguin couples to share parenting duties, and same-sex pairs in captivity have been known to adopt eggs.
Sphen’s passing was confirmed by the aquarium this month, with no specific cause of death provided. The average lifespan of the species is typically 12 to 13 years.
Richard Dilly, the aquarium’s general manager, described Sphen as an “icon” who left a positive impact on the world through his unique relationship with Magic. “Sphen and Magic’s love story captivated the world, and it’s been a privilege to have fans from all over, some traveling great distances to see them in person,” Dilly said.
Animal carers made sure Magic had the chance to say goodbye to his partner, a touching moment that was witnessed by staff and other penguins. “The moment we brought Magic to Sphen, he started singing, and the other penguins joined in. It was a very emotional moment,” said aquarium supervisor Renee Howell.
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