close
close

Tragic update for top tourist attraction

There is tragic news about a popular penguin who made headlines for having a same-sex relationship with another penguin.

The Sydney Aquarium announced on Thursday that Sphen, a famous gentoo penguin who was mated with fellow penguin Magic, has died.

The penguin couple rose to popularity in 2018 after news of their relationship went viral.

A penguin who made headlines for having a same-sex relationship with someone at the Sydney Aquarium has died. Image: provided.A penguin who made headlines for having a same-sex relationship with someone at the Sydney Aquarium has died. Image: provided.

The penguins went viral in 2018 for their same-sex relationship. Image: provided.

The penguins were inseparable even outside of the breeding season, which is unusual for gentoo penguins. Image: Provided by NCA NewsWireThe penguins were inseparable even outside of the breeding season, which is unusual for gentoo penguins. Image: Provided by NCA NewsWire

The penguins were inseparable even outside of the breeding season, which is unusual for gentoo penguins. Image: Provided by NCA NewsWire

When Sphen died, the two had been together for six years and had adopted and raised two chicks, Lara and Clancy.

They also served as inspiration for a carnival float and were even included in the New South Wales state curriculum, which educates children about sexuality and consent.

Richard Dilly, chief executive of SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, said the news was “heartbreaking” as the penguin was almost 12 years old.

“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.

“We want to take this opportunity to reflect on and celebrate Sphen'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.

“Sphen and Magic’s love story has captivated the world and it was an honor to welcome local and international fans, some of whom traveled long distances to see it in real life.”

A penguin who made headlines for having a same-sex relationship with someone at the Sydney Aquarium has died. Image: provided.A penguin who made headlines for having a same-sex relationship with someone at the Sydney Aquarium has died. Image: provided.

The couple has since inspired a carnival float. Image: provided.

A penguin who made headlines for having a same-sex relationship with someone at the Sydney Aquarium has died. Image: provided.A penguin who made headlines for having a same-sex relationship with someone at the Sydney Aquarium has died. Image: provided.

Sphen was almost 12 years old when he died, which is considered a long life for gentoo penguins. Image: Supplied.

Mr Dilly added that the team would now turn its focus to Magic, ahead of his first breeding season without Sphene.

According to reports, the SEA LIFE team brought Magic to Sphen after his death so he could understand why his partner could not return.

Magic immediately started singing and the colony joined in.

The pair had a unique bond that lasted even outside of the breeding season, which is unusual for gentoo penguins.

SEA LIFE penguin keeper Kiera Ponting previously described the pair as one of the most devoted couples in the colony ahead of their third anniversary together in 2021.

“Magic still regularly collects the most perfect pebbles he can find for Sphen, showing what a great hunter and partner he can be,” she said.

“They are a great role model for the rest of the colony. They are inseparable and prove how strong the bond between penguins can be.”

“We've noticed that many of the newer penguin pairs are building their nests near Sphen and Magic. We think they're trying to learn from the best.”

You may also like...