World-famous gay penguin Sphen dies tragically at the age of 11, while his heartbroken lover named Magic begins to “sing” to say goodbye

ONE half of a world-famous same-sex penguin couple has tragically died at the age of 11.

The gentoo penguin Sphen has died in Australia, leaving behind his partner Magic, with whom he was together for six years.

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Sphen's partner Magic, eight, was brought into his body to make it clear to the penguin that Sphen would not return.

The heartbroken penguin began to sing a farewell song, which was echoed by the entire penguin colony.

The gay penguin couple became famous in 2018 when they fell in love at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

Aquarium staff first noticed the attraction between the two male gentoo penguins when they began bowing to each other – a type of penguin flirting.

They later adopted two chicks and raised them as their own.

The couple also appeared in the Netflix series Atypical and even served as inspiration for a carnival float.

His death occurred after his health deteriorated and the aquarium's veterinary team made the difficult decision to euthanize him.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium said Sphene had an “immeasurable” impact worldwide as a symbol of equality and a champion of species conservation.

An investigation into the causes of its decline is ongoing.

Richard Dilly, the aquarium's chief executive, said: “The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking for the penguin colony, the team and everyone who has been inspired or positively influenced by the story of Sphen and Magic.”

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

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

Penguin keeper Renee Howell told The Guardian that she had witnessed the couple's love story from the beginning.

She said, “It's one in a million.

“You’ll never see this again.”

Howell said same-sex partnerships are probably relatively common among penguins.

She added that they stood out for the way they shared their responsibilities as parents.

She said: “They took their individual [turns] To the nestand they went out and looked for food, and then they came back and exchanged care for the egg.

“They split the roles pretty evenly between the two of them.”

Sphen also leaves behind Sphengic – called Lara – and Clancy, the couple’s two foster chicks.

Gentoo penguins are a sub-Antarctic species whose average life expectancy is between 12 and 13 years and are known for their romantic monogamy.

Members of the public have expressed their tribute to Sphen in a condolence board on the aquarium's website.

One person said: “Sphen and Magic were icons of equality. My heart breaks for the keepers and the entire team at Sea Life Sydney.”

Another added: “You taught the world so much. We will never forget you.”

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