Sydney’s Sea Life Aquarium is mourning the loss of Sphen, a famed gentoo penguin known for his same-sex love story with fellow penguin Magic. Sphen, who appeared to die of natural causes, had captured global attention for his relationship with Magic and their successful adoption and raising of two chicks. Penguin keeper Renee Howell described their impact as “immeasurable”, highlighting how they shared parenting duties equally and how their relationship was a rare and beautiful sight to witness.
When Sphen passed away, Magic and the other penguins at the aquarium were visibly mourning his loss, with Magic singing a mournful chorus upon realizing his partner was gone. The staff at the aquarium made sure to show Magic Sphen’s body so that he could understand what had happened, leading to an emotional moment of singing from the gentoo colony.
Despite the sadness of losing Sphen, the team at the aquarium finds comfort in knowing the positive impact the penguin couple had on the wider community. Magic, now entering his first breeding season without Sphen, is still collecting pebbles for a nest, a hopeful sign for the future.
The story of Sphen and Magic has touched people around the world and the staff at the aquarium will always remember them for the inspiration they provided. “To us, they weren’t just penguins,” Howell said, “They inspired so many people across the entire world and to us, that is incredibly special and we’ll hold that with us forever.”
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com