Sphen the penguin - half of world-famous same-sex couple - dies at Sydney aquarium aged 11

A penguin that was one half of a world-famous same-sex couple has died in an aquarium in Australia aged 11.

Sphen and his partner Magic achieved global fame in 2018 after staff at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium noticed the two males building a nest together and gave them an egg to incubate.

Their relationship would inspire a float in Sydney’s world-famous Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade and feature in the Netflix series Atypical.

Sphen, a gentoo penguin, was nearly 12 when he passed away earlier this month, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium said on Thursday. Gentoo penguins have an average life span of 12 to 13 years.

Staff took Magic to see Sphen’s body so he could understand that he would not be coming home. When he reached Sphen, Magic immediately started singing, followed shortly afterwards by the other 45 penguins in the colony.

Gentoo penguins can make sounds ranging from honks to brays which their partners can usually identify from the voices of other penguins in the colony.

“Sphen and Magic’s love story captivated the world and it’s been an honour to welcome local and international fans,” said Rachel Dilly, general manager at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

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

In tributes on the Aquarium website, people spoke about the joy and inspiration the penguin lovers had brought to their lives.

“Sphen’s gonna be having fun surfing the rainbow waves up there,” said Indah. “Penguin superstar, Sphen, thank you for being you. We will miss you.”

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