Sphen the penguin, known for same-sex love story, dies at Sydney aquarium aged 11

By Millie Roberts

• One half of a famous same-sex penguin couple, Sphen, has died aged 11, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium said
• The gentoo penguin was known for adopting and raising two chicks with his partner Magic since 2018
• Sea Life said the penguin colony started singing in honour of the celebrity penguin's life

A penguin who inspired a Mardi Gras float after making international headlines for his same-sex relationship has died aged 11.

Sphen shot to fame in 2018 after partnering up with fellow gentoo penguin Magic at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

The couple, who spent six years together, successfully fostered two chicks Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020 in what was described as an Australian first.

Sphen (left) and Magic were described as having a love story that "captivated the world". Photo: Supplied / Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Normally, penguins would only raise one chick in the wild, aquarium staff said at the time.

Their love story inspired a Mardi Gras float in 2021, and also featured in books, documentaries and Netflix show Atypical.

"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," the aquarium's general manager Richard Dilly said.

Sphen and Magic were a same-sex gentoo penguin couple. Photo: Supplied / Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Sphen (left) and Magic tending to one of their two eggs during their six-year relationship. Photo: Supplied / Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

"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," Dilly said.

The aquarium said Sphen was nearly 12 years old when he passed away earlier this month.

Magic and Sphen (right) with their first chick Sphengic, also known as Lara. Photo: Supplied / Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

His age is considered long for a gentoo penguin, which have an average life span of between 12 and 13 years.

Magic, 8, was often spotted with Sphen outside of the breeding season, which is unique for gentoo penguins, the aquarium said.

Staff first noticed an attraction between the pair when they saw them bowing to each other - a "gentoo way of saying they love each other".

"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," Dilly said.

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

The team took Magic to see Sphen's body to help the penguin understand that his partner would not return.

A spokesperson said Magic "immediately started singing, which was beautifully reciprocated by the colony".

- ABC