One of the two gay penguins at an Australian aquarium that captured hearts has passed away.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium announced on August 22 that the penguin named Sphen died at the age of 12 earlier this month. Sphen and Magic were a same-sex penguin couple that made headlines in 2018 when aquarium staff observed the two male penguins always staying together and collecting pebbles to build their own nest, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The staff also provided the couple with eggs to incubate, which hatched into two chicks, Lara and Clancy. The love story of Sphen and Magic became a symbol of same-sex love and inspired a major pride parade in Sydney.
Sphen (left) and Magic have been together for 6 years. (PHOTO: SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM).
Staff will now focus on caring for Magic, who is now 9 years old. Magic sang when he was brought to see his “partner” of 6 years after Sphen’s passing, followed by 45 other penguins in the colony also joining in the song. Previously, Sphen’s health had deteriorated.
This pair belongs to the Gentoo penguin species, known for their distinctive calls that help their mates recognize them, according to Reuters. The lifespan of Gentoo penguins is around 12 to 13 years.
“Sphen’s passing is heartbreaking for the penguin colony, the staff, and those inspired by the story of Sphen and Magic,” said Richard Dilly, Managing Director of SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
Sphen and Magic were not the first known same-sex penguin couple. Previously, an aquarium in Bournemouth, England, witnessed two penguins, Diego and Zorro, pairing up, who were also given eggs to incubate and successfully hatched chicks.
