Sphen, the famous gentoo penguin known for his same-sex relationship with another male penguin named Magic, passed away in Sydney, Australia at the age of 11. The couple became global icons for their relationship, which began in 2018 at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. Sphen and Magic garnered attention for their bond, which led to them successfully hatching two chicks together after being given foster eggs by their keepers.
Their story was featured in the Netflix series “Atypical” and even appeared on a float in the 2021 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade in Sydney. Despite their inability to join the parade due to high temperatures, inflatable replicas of Sphen and Magic made a statement. Their relationship has been included in Australian schoolbooks to educate children about sexuality, consent, and relationships.
Richard Dilly, the aquarium’s general manager, expressed the uniqueness of Sphen and Magic’s bond, noting that the two penguins could often be found together outside of the breeding season, a rare occurrence among gentoo penguins. Unfortunately, as Sphen approached his 12th birthday, his health began to decline, leading to the difficult decision to euthanize him to prevent any suffering.
After Sphen’s passing, keepers allowed Magic to see his companion’s body to help him understand the situation. Upon seeing Sphen, Magic started singing, with other members of the gentoo colony joining in to bid farewell to their friend. Now, the focus shifts to supporting Magic as he navigates his first breeding season without his partner by his side.
The relationship between Sphen and Magic began in 2018 when they were introduced to each other at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. It was love at first sight, with the two penguins displaying classic courtship behaviors such as bowing, gift-giving, and singing together. They quickly built a nest and were eventually given a foster egg to care for, marking the beginning of their journey as parents.
Gentoo penguins, like Sphen and Magic, typically live in the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding oceanic islands. They are known for their distinctive tuxedo-like appearance, with white chests and black backs, orange beaks, and feet. In the wild, gentoo penguins form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, with each pair typically laying two eggs.
While same-sex partnerships are not uncommon in the animal kingdom, Sphen and Magic’s story resonated with people around the world, highlighting the diversity of relationships in nature. Their tale serves as a reminder of the importance of love and companionship, regardless of gender or species.
