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Penguin Sphen, known for same-sex love stories, dies at the age of 11 in the Sydney Aquarium

A penguin who served as inspiration for a carnival float after making international headlines with his same-sex relationship has died at the age of eleven.

Sphen rose to fame in 2018 after teaming up with fellow gentoo penguin Magic at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

The couple, who spent six years together, successfully raised two chicks: Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020, which was described as an Australian first.

Two penguins with raised beaks

Sphen (left) and Magic were said to have a love story that “captivated the world.” (Source: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium)

Normally, penguins in the wild would raise only one chick, aquarium staff said at the time.

Their love story inspired a carnival float in 2021 and has also been told in books, documentaries and the Netflix series “Atypical.”

“The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking for the penguin colony, the team and everyone who was inspired or positively influenced by the story of Sphen and Magic,” said aquarium executive director Richard Dilly.

Two penguins standing near a rainbow ice heart

Sphen and Magic were a same-sex gentoo penguin couple. (Source: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium)

Two penguins look at an egg on a nest of pebbles

Sphen (left) and Magic care for one of their two eggs during their six-year relationship. (Source: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium)

“We want to take this opportunity to reflect on and celebrate Spehn's life. We want to remember what an icon he was, what a unique connection he had with Magic, and what a positive impact he had on the world.”

The aquarium said Sphen was almost 12 years old when he died earlier this month.

Its age is considered long for a gentoo penguin, as the average life expectancy is between 12 and 13 years.

Portrait of two adult penguins and a young chick

Magic and Sphen (right) with their first chick Sphengic, also known as Lara. (Source: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium)

Magic, 8, has been spotted frequently with sphene outside of the breeding season, which is unique for gentoo penguins, the aquarium said.

Staff first noticed the attraction between the two when they saw them bowing to each other – a “gentlemanly way of saying they love each other.”

“The love story of Sphen and Magic has captivated the world and it was an honour to welcome local and international fans, some of whom travelled long distances to see it in real life,” said Mr Dilly.

“The team’s focus now is on Magic, who will soon be preparing for his first breeding season without Sphene.”

The team took Magic to see Sphen's body so that the penguin would understand that his partner would not return.

A spokesman said Magic “immediately started singing, which was wonderfully responded to by the colony.”

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