Penguin from famous same sex couple, Sphen, dies

There’s been a tragic update in one of the penguins who shot to fame after news of their same-sex relationship. The penguins were together for six years.

There’s been a tragic update in a beloved penguin who went viral for being in a same-sex relationship with another penguin.

Sydney Aquarium revealed on Thursday Sphen, a famous gentoo penguin who was in a couple with other penguin Magic, had died.

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

The penguins went viral for their same sex relationship in 2018. Picture: Supplied.

The penguins were inseparable even outside of breeding season, which is unusual for gentoo penguins. Picture: Supplied via NCA NewsWire

The pair had been together for six years when Sphen died and had adopted and raised two chicks, Lara and Clancy.

They have also inspired a Mardis Gras float and were even included in the NSW education syllabus that teaches children about sexuality and consent.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium general manager Richard Dilly said the news is “heartbreaking”, with the penguin nearly 12-years-old.

“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,” he said.

“We want to take this opportunity to reflect and celebrate Sphen’s life, remembering what an icon he was, the unique bond he shared with Magic and the positive impact he made in the world.

“Sphen and Magic’s love story captivated the world and it’s been an honour to welcome local and international fans, some of which travelled long distances to see them in real life.”

The pair have since inspired a Mardis Gras float. Picture: Supplied.

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

Mr Dilly added the team will now shift their focus to Magic ahead of his first breeding season without Sphen.

The SEA LIFE team reportedly took Magic to see Sphen after he died so he could understand why his partner couldn’t return.

Magic immediately began singing, with the colony then joining in.

The couple had shared a unique connection, found together outside of breeding season, which is unusual for gentoo penguins.

SEA LIFE’s penguin keeper Kiera Ponting earlier described the couple 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 pebble that he can find for Sphen, displaying what a great hunter and partner he can be,” she said.

“They set a great example to the rest of the colony. They’re inseparable and proving just how strong penguin bonds can be.

“We’ve noticed many of the newer penguin couples setting up their nests close to Sphen and Magic, which we think is them trying to learn from the best.”

Originally published as Penguin from famous same sex couple, Sphen, dies