Australian Penguin Sphen, Half of Famous Same-Sex Couple, Passes Away at 11
Sphen, the elder member of a renowned same-sex penguin couple that gained international fame, has passed away at the age of 11, according to an announcement made by the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium on Thursday. Sphen and his partner, Magic, captured global attention in 2018 when they built a pebble nest together, a sign of their intent to raise chicks, marking a significant moment for both penguin biology and LGBTQ+ representation.
The couple’s bond was not only unique but also celebrated across various platforms. Sphen and Magic successfully adopted and raised two chicks, one in 2018 and another in 2020, further solidifying their place in the hearts of people worldwide. Their relationship became a symbol of love and partnership, leading to their inclusion in Australian school curriculums, a feature in the Netflix series Atypical, and even a float dedicated to them in Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Sphen and Magic’s relationship was considered exceptional even among penguin couples, as they were often seen together outside of the breeding season, an uncommon behavior for gentoo penguins. This deep bond between the two made their story all the more compelling and heartwarming.
The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium did not specify the exact date or cause of Sphen’s death but noted that the average lifespan of gentoo penguins is 12 to 13 years. The aquarium’s general manager, Richard Dilly, paid tribute to Sphen, calling him an “icon” whose relationship with Magic had a positive impact on people worldwide. “Sphen and Magic’s love story captivated the world, and it’s been an honor to welcome local and international fans, some of which traveled long distances to see them in real life,” Dilly said.
In a touching gesture, the aquarium staff allowed Magic to see Sphen’s body to help him understand that they would not be together for the next breeding season. Renee Howell, an aquarium supervisor, described the emotional scene: “The moment we showed him (Magic) to Sphen, he started singing, and then the other penguins also joined in, singing with him. So it was very touching. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the penguin exhibit in that moment.”
Sphen’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in animal behavior and LGBTQ+ history, but his legacy will live on through the many lives he and Magic touched.
