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Tribute to Sphen: A Beloved Gentoo Penguin and His Partner Magic
Discover the heartwarming story of Sphen, the beloved Gentoo penguin, and his partner Magic. Explore their journey of love, companionship, and the joy they bring to their community in this touching tribute.
Tribute to Sphen: A Beloved Gentoo Penguin
Sphen, a male gentoo penguin renowned for his heartwarming relationship with another male penguin named Magic, has passed away at the age of 11. The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, which was home to the iconic pair, announced the unfortunate news, revealing that Sphen’s health had significantly declined earlier this month.
In an official email, the aquarium team shared that they had made the difficult decision to euthanize Sphen, stating, “easing him of any pain or discomfort” was their primary concern. Sphen and Magic’s story began with a charming summer encounter in Sydney, which blossomed into a strong partnership that captured hearts around the world, earning them the status of international queer icons.
Three years Sphen’s senior, he had originally come from SeaWorld, while Magic was born at a Melbourne aquarium. Despite being surrounded by a lively colony of young, flirty penguins at Sea Life, Sphen and Magic were inseparable. They exhibited unique behaviors of affection—bowing to each other, singing, and exchanging pebbles in preparation for a future nest, much to the delight of their penguin keepers.
“They weren’t interested in other birds in the colony,” explained Tish Hannan, head of penguin supervision at the aquarium, in a 2019 interview. “They’ve chosen each other. That’s it. They’re bonded now.”
Recognizing their strong bond, the aquarium staff supported their relationship by providing them with a dummy egg to foster. Later, when a heterosexual penguin couple appeared to neglect their parenting duties, Sphen and Magic were entrusted with a real egg. The devoted duo thrived in their roles as parents, diligently taking turns to incubate and keep their precious egg warm.
- Their first chick, Sphengic (now affectionately named Lara), hatched in 2018.
- In 2020, they paired up again to welcome another chick, Clancy.
Sphen and Magic’s journey not only highlighted the depth of animal relationships but also resonated with many as a symbol of love and commitment, transcending traditional boundaries.