World Famous Gay Penguin Mourns Deceased Partner

Sphen the gentoo penguin has died in Australia, aged 11. He is mourned by his partner, Magic, along with much of the rest of the world, which had celebrated the unusual union since 2018, when the pair met and fell in love at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

“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,” aquarium general manager Richard Dilly said in a statement.

And what a story. After a brief courtship in 2018, Sphen and Magic built a pebble nest together and adopted a “backup” egg given to them by another penguin couple, which had laid two eggs. The resultant hatchling was the first of two chicks they raised together, the second in 2020.

Their union was celebrated by a float in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and cited in books and film, including the Netflix series “Atypical.” The relationship was even described in the New South Wales state education curriculum.

When Sphen took ill earlier this month, the aquarium's veterinary team made the decision to end his pain and discomfort, while the cause of death is still being investigated. Magic was shown his partner’s body to help him process his loss and understand that they will not be together for the upcoming breeding season.

“The moment we showed him to Sphen, he started singing, and then the other penguins also joined in, singing with him. So it was very touching,” aquarium supervisor Renee Howell tells the AP. “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the penguin exhibit in that moment.”

Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) typically live to be 12 or 13, so Sphen had a pretty good run. He will be missed.

As for Magic, it remains to be seen if he finds love again. For now he needs some time to grieve.

Photo credit: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium