[Benjamin]

Sphen and Magic's love story captivated the world


Sphen the gentoo penguin - one half of a world-famous same-sex "power couple" - has died in Australia, aged 11.

He and his partner Magic shot to global stardom in 2018 when they fell in love at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, later adopting and raising two chicks.

Their romance has inspired a Mardi Gras float, been referenced in Australia's education syllabus, and even featured in the Netflix series Atypical.

The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium said Sphen had an "immeasurable" impact around the world as a symbol of equality and a conduit for the conservation cause.

The penguin's health had deteriorated in the days leading up to his death, and the aquarium's veterinary team made the difficult decision earlier this month to euthanise Sphen to end his pain and discomfort.

An investigation into the cause of his decline is underway.

"The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking to the penguin colony, the team, and everyone who has been inspired or positively impacted by Sphen and Magic's story," the aquarium's general manager Richard Dilly said in a statement.

"We want to take this opportunity to reflect and celebrate Sphen's life, remembering what an icon he was."

A sub-Antarctic species, gentoo penguins on average live between 12 and 13 years and are famously romantic monogamists.

Magic, 8, has been taken to see Sphen's body to help the penguin understand his partner will not return.
He immediately started singing, the aquarium said, which was reciprocated by the broader penguin colony.

"The team's focus is now on Magic, who will soon prepare for his first breeding season without Sphen," Mr Dilly said.

Sphen is also survived by Sphengic - known as Lara - and Clancy, the couple's two fostered chicks.

Magic and Sphen had been together for six years. Staff first noticed an attraction between them when they saw them bowing to each other - a gentoo way of flirting.

Members of the public have paid tribute to Sphen in a condolence message board on the aquarium's website.

"Sphen and Magic were equality icons. My heart breaks for the keepers and the whole Sea Life Sydney team," wrote long-time fan Mark.

"You taught the world so much. We will never forget you, Habibi," another user named Rach added, using an Arabic term of affection.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1w78ylrq8jo

[Niamh.]

Aw RIP

[Nicky91]

RIP


shame you were exploited by the media's this horribly shame you had no privacy in your life

[Gusto Brunt]

11 is a good innings. Rest In Penquin Peace.

[Niamh.]

Youtube video

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

Youtube video

[AnnieK]

Aw....so sad

[Niamh.]

[Beso]

Oh I'm sorry, didn't realise it was a penguin memorial thread..


Bird flu maybe?

[UserSince2005]

Looking forward to meeting him when I go to Gay heaven too.

[Cherie]

aw that is sad, is 11 a good innings for a penguin, and I think like Swans they mate for life?

[Ammi]

In the wild when one penguin dies and their partner doesn’t know what has happened, they will typically go searching for them. Howell said this is why keepers at the aquarium felt it so necessary to show Magic that Sphen had passed, so he could understand “his partner wouldn’t actually be returning”.

The keeper said it was an incredibly emotional moment when Magic was taken to Sphen, alongside the gentoo colony and all of the staff members. Magic immediately started singing, with all the penguins around him joining in the chorus... ….awwww……

@Cherie

…I think it depends on the type of Penguin…some mate for life and others don’t…

[Nicky91]

Originally Posted by Ammi

In the wild when one penguin dies and their partner doesn’t know what has happened, they will typically go searching for them. Howell said this is why keepers at the aquarium felt it so necessary to show Magic that Sphen had passed, so he could understand “his partner wouldn’t actually be returning”.

The keeper said it was an incredibly emotional moment when Magic was taken to Sphen, alongside the gentoo colony and all of the staff members. Magic immediately started singing, with all the penguins around him joining in the chorus... ….awwww……

@Cherie

…I think it depends on the type of Penguin…some mate for life and others don’t…

aww