Sphen, the elder partner in a world-famous same-sex penguin couple celebrated in Australian schoolbooks and an annual gay rights parade, has died at 11 years old, a Sydney aquarium announced on Thursday.
Sphen and his male gentoo penguin partner, Magic, now aged 8, garnered international attention in 2018 when they built a pebble nest together at their home in the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, hoping to raise chicks. Interest grew as the pair adopted and successfully raised two chicks in 2018 and 2020. Their unique bond was celebrated by a float in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, included in the Sydney-based New South Wales state education curriculum, and discussed in the Netflix series “Atypical.” Their relationship has also been documented in books and films.
Penguin mates share parenting duties, and same-sex couples in captivity have occasionally adopted eggs before. However, Sphen and Magic’s story struck a chord with audiences around the world.
The aquarium revealed in a statement that Sphen passed away this month but did not specify the date or cause of death. The typical lifespan for gentoo penguins is 12 to 13 years, as noted by the aquarium.
Aquarium general manager Richard Dilly described Sphen as an “icon” who had made a significant impact globally through his relationship with Magic. “Sphen and Magic’s love story captivated the world, and it’s been an honor to welcome local and international fans, some of whom traveled long distances to see them in real life,” Dilly said. “Sphen and Magic shared a bond unlike most other penguin couples – they could even be found together outside of the breeding season, which is unique for gentoo penguins,” he added.
To help Magic understand the absence of his partner in the next breeding season, animal carers allowed him a final moment with Sphen’s body. “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,” said aquarium supervisor Renee Howell. “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the penguin exhibit in that moment,” Howell added.
