Sphen, one-half of the world’s most famous same-sex gentoo penguin couples, has passed away in Sydney. He was 11 years of age.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium announced the news publicly on Thursday morning, saying staff were heartbroken.
Sphen was nearly 12 years old when he passed away (he was born in November 2012), which is considered a long life for gentoo penguins, which have an average life span of up to thirteen years.
“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 [his partner] Magic and the positive impact he made in the world,” said SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium general manager Richard Dilly in a statement.
To help Magic, who turns nine in November, process the loss, the SEA LIFE team took him to see Spehn so that he could understand why his partner wouldn’t return.
According to staff he immediately started singing, which was reciprocated by the colony he lives with.
Sphen and Magic shared a unique bond, even being found together outside of the breeding season, which, according to the aquarium, is unusual for gentoo penguins.
Sphen is survived by the two chicks he adopted and helped raise: Lara (nicknamed Sphengic) and Clancy.
Sphen and his other half Magic shot to fame in 2018 when news of their same-sex male relationship made global headlines. Dubbed the penguin power couple, the duo recently had their six-year anniversary.
In their roles as queer icons, they inspired a Sydney Mardi Gras float, have been included in the NSW education syllabus, and even featured in the Netflix series Atypical.
That’s not even to mention the countless books they appear in and even documentaries on same-sex animal couples.
“Sphen and Magic’s love story captivated the world and it’s been an honour to welcome local and international fans, some of which travelled long distances to see them in real life. The team’s focus is now on Magic, who will soon prepare for his first breeding season without Sphen,” said Dilly.
Fans of Sphen and Magic are encouraged by SEA LIFE to leave a message of support to the team that looks after them on a page on the aquarium’s website, where tributes have already begun to pour in.
“I am so sorry for the loss of dear Sphen,” said one mourner, Stephanie. “He touched the hearts of so many, including mine. I have followed his journey with Magic since the start. The story of Sphen and Magic really highlights the importance of conservation. Sphen, you will be very missed.”
Said another mourner, Mark: “Sphen and Magic were equality icons. My heart breaks for the keepers and the whole Sea Life Sydney team.”
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: eliot.hastie@gaysydneynews.com.au
