Key Points
- In 2018, two gentoo penguins at a Sydney aquarium made headlines around the world for their same-sex relationship.
- One of the penguins, Sphen, died at the age of 11.
- Sphen and his partner Magic raised two chicks together and became symbols of equality around the world.
Sydney gentoo penguin Sphen, whose same-sex love affair made him and his partner Magic a symbol of equality around the world, has died.
The couple rose to fame in 2018 when news of their same-sex male relationship at a Sydney aquarium made global headlines.
The adorable and loyal duo recently celebrated six years together and successfully adopted and raised two chicks: Shengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020.
More than a beautiful love story, the couple’s impact across the world as a symbol of equality has been immeasurable, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium said in a statement on Thursday.
Their love story inspired a Mardi Gras float, was included in the NSW education curriculum and was even featured in the Netflix series Atypical..
Countless books are about their love story, and even documentaries about same-sex animal couples have featured Sphen and Magic, the aquarium said.
Richard Dilly, General Manager of SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, said: “The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking for the penguin colony, the team and everyone who has been inspired or positively influenced by the story of Sphen and Magic.”
“We want to take this opportunity to reflect and celebrate Sphen’s life, remembering what an icon he was, the unique bond he shared with Magic, and the positive impact he had on the world. “
Sphen appears to have died of natural causes in August as he neared his 12th birthday.
Her youngest partner, aged eight, was taken to her side to help her cope with her loss and understand that her partner would not return.
“He immediately began singing, which was beautifully echoed by the colony,” the aquarium said.
Aquarium staff said their focus was on the well-being of Magic, who is facing a first breeding season without her partner.
