Sphen, Half of Famous Gay Penguin Duo, Dies – Partner Magic Mourns

Sphen, a gentoo penguin renowned for being part of a same-sex “power couple” with his partner Magic, has died at the age of 11 in Australia.

Sphen and Magic were together for six years at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, during which time they successfully fostered two chicks: Sphengic (also known as Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020. The pair gained international attention, becoming symbols of equality and inspiring cultural references, including a Mardi Gras float and a mention in the Netflix series Atypical.

The aquarium’s general manager, Richard Dilly, expressed his sorrow over Sphen’s passing, stating, “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.”

Sphen was nearing 12 years old, an advanced age for gentoo penguins, which are noted for being the world’s fastest underwater birds. “Sphen and Magic’s love story captivated the world,” Dilly added. “It’s been an honor to welcome local and international fans, some of whom traveled long distances to see them in real life.”

Books and documentaries have chronicled Sphen and Magic’s love story, further spreading their tale of devotion. In 2021, when the couple marked their third anniversary, aquarium penguin keeper Kiera Ponting described them as one of the most devoted couples in the colony.

After Sphen’s passing, the aquarium team brought Magic, an eight-year-old penguin, to see his partner’s body to help him understand the loss. Magic reacted by singing, a call that was reciprocated by the rest of the colony. “The team’s focus is now on Magic, who will soon prepare for his first breeding season without Sphen,” the aquarium noted.

Sphen and Magic’s story has not only captivated hearts but also played a role in spreading important messages about conservation, plastic pollution, and global warming. Through their fame, the aquarium has shared these vital messages and raised funds for protecting wild penguins.

The aquarium staff first noticed the bond between Sphen and Magic when they began exchanging carefully chosen pebbles for nest-building. This behavior, if reciprocated, indicated mutual interest. They would bow to each other—a flirting gesture among gentoo penguins—which caught the attention of the keepers. “They’ve chosen each other. That’s it. They’re bonded now,” said Tish Hannan, head of penguin supervision at the aquarium.

Magic, described as excitable and playful, often chased toys and shiny objects while greeting visitors. Sphen, on the other hand, was quieter and more serious. Despite these differences, their bond was strong and evident. “You would see Magic standing in his spot looking for Sphen, and he would call and Sphen would come running over and give Magic a little bow and sing as well,” Hannan recalled.

Following Sphen’s death, messages poured in from heartbroken fans. One read, “Rest well, Sphen. My heart is breaking for Magic, Lara, Clancy, and the whole penguin/sea-life team.” Another fan expressed, “Thank you Sphen and Magic for showing the world that love naturally comes in many forms. Our hearts ache for Magic.”

Sphen’s demise, which appears to have been due to natural causes, has left a void not just in the penguin colony but also among the countless people who followed and were inspired by their story. The messages of love and well-wishes from fans around the world attest to the impact Sphen and Magic have had and will continue to have through the legacy of their unique and touching relationship.