World famous gay penguin dies
One half of the world famous gay penguin couple at Sydney's SEA LIFE Aquarium has died.
In 2018, Gentoo penguin Sphen made international headlines when he coupled up with another male gentoo penguin, Magic.
Shortly after meeting, the two male penguins began making a nest together out of pebbles ahead of breeding season, so the aquarium staff gave them a foster egg to care for.
Sphen and Magic raised two foster chicks, Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020, and are among the most strongly bonded gentoo penguin pairs at the aquarium.
The penguins have inspired books, documentaries, new studies in the NSW syllabus and even featured on a float at the Sydney Mardi Gras parade.
Earlier in August, Sphen passed away at the age of 12, which is considered a long life for a gentoo penguin.
In order to help process the loss, the aquarium staff took Magic to see his partner's body to help with the understanding that Sphen would not be returning.
He immediately started singing, which was reciprocated by the colony.
"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," SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium's general manager, Richard Dilly, said in a statement.
"Sphen and Magic's love story captivated the world and it's been an honour to welcome local and international fans, some of which travelled long distances to see them in real life."
"The team's focus is now on Magic, who will soon prepare for his first breeding season without Sphen."
Image credits: SEA LIFE Aquarium Sydney