One-half of an Australian aquarium’s same-sex penguin power couple has died, ending a six-year love story that captured hearts around the world. Sphen, a nearly 12-year-old Gentoo penguin, died earlier this month at the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium, his heartbroken handlers Thursday. His partner Magic, 8, erupted in song when he was taken to see Sphen after his death, prompting the rest of the colony to join in, the aquarium said in a statement.
“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 in a statement shared with “We want to take this opportunity to reflect and celebrate Sphen’s life, remembering what an icon he was.” According to Sphen’s health had deteriorated in the days leading up to his death, resulting in him being euthanized to end his pain and discomfort. An investigation into his cause of death is underway.
Gentoo penguins have an average lifespan of 12 or 13 years, the aquarium said, meaning Sphen had a considerably long life. Sphen and Magic are more than just a beautiful love story — their impact around the world as a symbol of equality is immeasurable. Sphen and Magic, collectively known as “Sphengic,” had been together since early 2018 and were described as “inseparable” when the aquarium first announced their romance, which was not long after same-sex marriage became legalized.