One half of the world-famous gay penguin couple dies • GCN

Sphen, one half of a popular gay penguin couple, has died aged 11. The bird was famous for his relationship with Magic, whom he met at an aquarium in Australia, fell in love with and raised two chicks with.

News of Sphen's death was announced on Thursday, August 22. His health had reportedly deteriorated and the veterinary team at Sea Life Sydney made the difficult decision to euthanize the bird to end his pain and discomfort.

Magic was reportedly brought to Sphen's body to make it clear that he would not return. When the bird saw his deceased lover, he immediately began singing, and the larger penguin colony followed suit.

Sphen leaves behind his 8-year-old partner and the couple's two foster chicks: Sphengic (also known as Lara) and Clancy.

In a social media post, Sea Life Sydney wrote that it was “heartbroken” to confirm the penguin's death and said his “legacy will live on through the love he shared with Magic and the important conservation messages” they spread.

Aquarium executive director Richard Dilly added: “The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking for the penguin colony, the team and everyone who has been inspired or positively impacted by Sphen and Magic’s story.

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

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

Gentoo penguins are a notoriously monogamous and romantic species. Sphen and Magic's gay love story first made headlines in 2018 when aquarium staff noticed an attraction between them. The couple bowed to each other, and later Sphen was seen bringing Magic a rock – symbolizing a marriage proposal.

Over the next six years, their relationship inspired a carnival float, was included in the Australian school curriculum and was the subject of the Netflix series AtypicalThey gained fans all over the world and became prime examples of same-sex love in nature.

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