When Sphen, a beloved Gentoo penguin and one half of the iconic same-sex penguin couple, passed away earlier this month at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, his partner Magic expressed his grief in a touching and heartfelt way. The pair, who had captured global attention in 2018 for their remarkable bond, had become symbols of same-sex love after aquarium staff noticed them building a nest together and gave them an egg to incubate. Their story resonated so deeply that it inspired a float in Sydney’s famous Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade and was even featured in the Netflix series Atypical.
Sphen was nearly 12 years old at the time of his passing, which is close to the average lifespan of 12 to 13 years for Gentoo penguins. To help Magic understand that his longtime companion would not be returning, aquarium staff brought him to see Sphen’s body. Upon reaching Sphen, Magic began to sing, a poignant expression of his sorrow. Soon after, the entire colony of 45 penguins joined in, creating a chorus of honks and brays, the unique sounds by which penguins recognize their partners among others in the colony.
Rachel Dilly, general manager at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, acknowledged the impact Sphen and Magic’s relationship had on people worldwide. “Sphen and Magic’s love story captivated the world, and it has been an honor to welcome local and international fans who were touched by their bond,” Dilly said. “Our focus now is on Magic, who will soon prepare for his first breeding season without Sphen.”
The loss of Sphen has inspired an outpouring of tributes from fans who had followed the couple’s journey. Many expressed how the penguins’ love story had brought joy and inspiration to their lives. One tribute on the Aquarium’s website captured the sentiment shared by many: “Sphen’s gonna be having fun surfing the rainbow waves up there. Penguin superstar, Sphen, thank you for being you. We will miss you.”
As Magic faces the upcoming breeding season without his partner, the aquarium staff is committed to supporting him through this transition. The touching farewell to Sphen reminds us all of the deep connections animals can share, and how their stories can resonate far beyond the confines of their habitats, touching hearts around the world.
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