Sea Life Sydney Aquarium has said staff were “heartbroken” to announce Sphen, a beloved gay penguin and one half of a couple that made headlines around the world, has passed away.
In a statement on August 22, the aquarium described how Sphen’s partner Magic started singing when he was taken to see Sphen to “process the loss” and was joined in song by the rest of the colony.
Sphen and Magic’s same-sex relationship made global headlines in 2018 as they were dubbed the “penguin power couple,” the aquarium said. They went on to successfully adopt and raise two chicks.
“The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking to the penguin colony, the team, and everyone who has been inspired or positively impacted by Sphen and Magic’s story,” said Sea Life General Manager Richard Dilly.
Sphen was nearly 12 years old when he passed away earlier in August, according to the aquarium, which said the age was considered a long life for a gentoo penguin. Credit: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium via Storyful
