Sphen, one half of the world-famous gay penguin couple, has died – partner Magic mourns

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Sphen, a gentoo penguin who rose to fame as part of a same-sex “power couple” with his partner Magic, died in Australia at the age of 11.

The couple, who were together for six years after “falling in love” at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, successfully raised two chicks – Sphengic (also known as Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020.

The couple – dubbed the “penguin power couple” – gained worldwide attention in 2018 after their relationship became a symbol of equality and inspired cultural references, including a carnival float and a mention in 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.

According to the aquarium, Sphen was nearly 12 years old, a great age for gentoo penguins, when he died earlier this month. Gentoo penguins are the fastest underwater birds in the world.

“Sphen and Magic’s love story 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.

Their love story has been told in numerous books and Sphen and Magic have also appeared in documentaries about same-sex animal couples, aquarium staff said.

As the couple celebrated their third anniversary in 2021, the aquarium's penguin keeper Kiera Ponting said she was “thrilled” to see the happy couple still together, describing them as one of the most devoted couples in the colony.

After Sphen's death, the aquarium team brought eight-year-old Magic to his partner's body to make him understand that Sphen would not be coming back.

Magic, now experiencing his first breeding season without a sphene, was allowed to see his partner's body and sang in response. “He immediately began singing, which was beautifully reciprocated by the colony,” the aquarium said.

“The team's focus now is on Magic, who will soon be preparing for his first breeding season without Sphene.” Aquarium staff had previously pointed out that penguins in the wild typically raise only one chick at a time.

Sphen and Magic's love story has captivated the world. “Magic still regularly collects the most perfect pebble he can find for Sphen, showing what a great hunter and partner he can be,” said Ms Ponting News.com.au in 2021.

“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.”

Keepers first noticed Sphen and Magic's mutual affection when they began bringing each other carefully selected pebbles for a nest. If either of them hadn't been interested, they would have rejected the pebbles by pushing them away with their beaks. Instead, both admired the pebbles they were given.

Previously, aquarium staff had described Magic as excited and playful, someone who would chase toys and anything shiny. He also greeted visitors. Sphen was larger and had a larger beak. He was quieter, more serious, and less interested in toys and people. But when they started bowing to each other – a form of flirting in the world of gentoo penguins – aquarium staff took notice.

“You would see Magic standing in his spot looking for Sphen, and he would call out and Sphen would come running and give Magic a little bow and sing too,” Tish Hannan, the aquarium's penguin supervisor, said at the time. “They chose each other. That's all. They're bonded now.”

Thanks to Sphen and Magic's fame, the aquarium has also been able to “spread important messages about conservation, plastic pollution, global warming and the importance of protecting wild penguins through fundraising initiatives,” the aquarium said.

Sphen appears to have died of natural causes earlier this month, shortly before his 12th birthday.

Heartbroken fans of the gay couple left messages for Sphen and Magic on the aquarium's bulletin board. “Rest in peace, Sphen. My heart breaks for Magic, Lara, Clancy and the entire penguin/sea creature team.”

Another wrote: “Thank you Sphen and Magic for showing the world that love can naturally take many forms. We long for Magic.”

“My heart stopped when I read this message. I have always loved these penguins and the story of their unbreakable bond. Sphen, you will be missed by thousands. I send all my love and best wishes to the staff at SEA LIFE – and of course to Magic,” read another message on the board.