Gay penguin dies at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
“Sphen and Magic are more than just a beautiful love story – their impact around the world as a symbol of equality is immeasurable,” the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium said in a statement.
One half of the famous same-sex penguin couple dies in Sydney
Sphen and Magic made headlines as a same-sex penguin couple in Sydney. Almost 12-year-old Sphen died earlier this month.
Sphen, one half of the gay gentoo penguin couple that captured hearts around the world, has died, leaving staff and penguins at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium “inconsolable sadness”. On Thursday, the aquarium announced that Sphen had died.
Magic, 8, Sphen’s mate, was brought to him after his death so he would understand that Sphen was not coming back, NBC News reports. Magic began singing and the rest of his colony “reciprocated beautifully,” Richard Dilly, the aquarium’s general manager, said in a statement.
“Sphen and Magic are more than just a beautiful love story – their impact around the world as a symbol of equality is immeasurable,” the aquarium said in a statement.
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A love story like no other
Dubbed “the penguin power couple,” Sphen and his partner Magic celebrated six years together. During that time, the same-sex couple adopted two chicks, Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020, touching the hearts of many, according to a press release from the aquarium.
Inspiring people all over the world
Books like Sphengic, A True Love is a love story about family by Kristy Esson were written about the penguin couple and their love.
They have been featured in documentaries and their romance is included in the Australian school curriculum.
They also inspired a carnival float that premiered at the Sydney Carnival about three years ago.
A strange, healthy romance
Sphen and Magic were inseparable. They even spent time together outside of mating season, which is unusual for gentoo penguins.
Sphen, the oldest of the two, died shortly before his 12th birthday, according to the aquarium. He had a long life, considering that gentoo penguins can live up to 13 years in captivity.
In memory of Sphen: Fans are asked to leave a message
The aquarium encourages fans of the couple to leave a supportive message or tribute to Sphen on its website during this time of grief.
The Penguin team then reviews the news and honors before publishing them on its website.
Julia is a trends reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered a variety of topics, from local business and government in her hometown of Miami to technology and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram And TikTok: @juliamariegz
