World-famous gay penguin dies – heartbreaking reaction from his partner

Animal lovers around the world are heartbroken following the death of gentoo penguin Sphen.

Sphen, along with his partner Magic, was one half of the world-famous gay penguin couple.

The adorable duo made headlines around the world in 2018 when they fell in love at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium in Australia.

Later, Sphen and Magic adopted two chicks and raised them together.

Sphen, one half of Sea Life Sydney's “penguin power couple,” has died. (Sea Life Sydney)

But now Sphen has sadly passed away and Magic is left alone again.

Sea Life Sydney announced the devastating news on Instagram and posted a moving video montage of Sphen.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sphen, one half of the world's most famous and beloved gentoo penguin pair,” the statement said.

“Sphen and Magic, our beloved 'penguin power couple', made headlines around the world in 2018 with their beautiful same-sex relationship and inspired millions of people around the world with their story of love, equality and commitment.

“Sphen’s legacy will live on through the love he shared with Magic and the important conservation messages they helped us spread.

“We invite Sphen's fans to pay tribute to him by sharing their messages on our website. Your words will help us keep his memory alive.”

The gay penguins Magic and Sphen found love in 2018. (Sea Life Sydney)

Sphen was 12 years old shortly before his death. Gentoo penguins live to an average age of about 13 years in the wild and 10.5 years in captivity.

According to BBC News, the 11-year-old bird's health had deteriorated in the days before his death.

Due to the pain and discomfort Sphen was experiencing, the aquarium's veterinary team made the difficult decision to euthanize him earlier this month.

An investigation into Sphen's demise is underway, the news agency reported.

The aquarium discovered that Magic began singing when he was led to Sphen's body to make it clear to him that he was not coming back.

Richard Dilly, the aquarium's executive director, called Sphen's death “heartbreaking.”

“The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking for the penguin colony, the team and everyone who has been inspired or positively impacted by the story of Sphen and Magic,” he said in a statement.

“We would like to take this opportunity to reflect on and celebrate Sphen's life and remember what an icon he was.”

Following the sad news of Sphen’s death, numerous expressions of condolence were also received on social media.

“I'm actually crying right now. I'm so happy to have seen him when I visited him earlier this year. You will be sorely missed Sphen,” one person wrote.

A second added: “Very sad. You brought us so much joy, Sphen!”

“Oh my god, I was not prepared for this sad news,” another continued. “My love goes out to all the team in Sydney and the wonderful SEA LIFE team who I know will be grieving right now.”