He was an affectionate and kind partner, and then a patient and caring parent. When Sphen captured the heart of Magic, a fellow penguin at an aquarium in Sydney, he also won the hearts of fans around the world. But sadly, Sphen has died, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium announced on Thursday.
The news comes six years after Sphen and Magic, two males, amazed aquarium staff with their romance and deep commitment . "Sphen and Magic shared a bond unlike most other penguin couples," the aquarium said. "They could even be found together outside of the breeding season, which is unique for gentoo penguins.
" A song for the dead The aquarium provided Magic with a chance to see Sphen's body, saying it wanted to give him an opportunity to mourn and also improve the likelihood that he would be able to move on. When Magic saw Sphen's body and realized his partner was lost to him, "he immediately started singing. And this was reciprocated by several others in the colony," Renee Howell, the aquarium’' penguin keeper, said in an interview with Australia's ABC .
"We're not entirely sure exactly what was being said in these moments of singing, but it was definitely a beautiful moment to witness," she added. Sphen died just short of 12 years old; the average lifespan for a gentoo penguin is roughly 12 to 13 years. A courtship sparked international fame In 2018, aquarium staff noticed a strong bond growing between Sphen and Magic, from bowing to each other to offers of a pebble — an act akin to offer.