Sphen, one half of the famous same-sex penguin couple with Magic at Sydney’s Sea Life Aquarium, has passed away, leaving his partner and staff devastated. The pair’s love story made headlines around the world, as they successfully adopted and raised two chicks together. Penguin keeper Renee Howell described their relationship as unique and their impact on the world as immeasurable.
Sphen and Magic’s courtship began with the exchange of pebbles, a tradition among gentoo penguins. Despite being a same-sex couple, they shared parenting duties equally and cared for their chicks successfully. When Sphen passed away, staff at the aquarium made sure to show Magic his partner’s body, so he could understand that Sphen was gone.
The emotional scene that followed, with Magic singing alongside the entire gentoo colony, left staff in awe. Magic is now entering his first breeding season without Sphen, but continues to collect pebbles for a nest. The staff at Sea Life Aquarium are finding comfort in the impact Sphen and Magic had on the wider community, as well as in the loving relationships they shared with the penguins.
The loss of Sphen has deeply affected all who knew him, but his memory will live on as a symbol of love and equality. The staff at Sea Life Aquarium will always remember Sphen as an individual with a unique personality, who inspired people around the world.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
