Sphen, Half of a Beloved Same-Sex 'Penguin Power Couple,' Dies at Sydney Aquarium

Mar. 15, 2025

The SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is mourning the death of one of its most well-known residents.

According to SEA LIFE, Sphen and his partner, Magic, ascended to fame in 2018, when news of the birds' courtship made international news. The penguin couple spent six years together before Sphen’s death and adopted and raised two chicks during that period.

The couple’s successful relationship helped the aquarium spread messages about equality, conservation, plastic pollution, and more. Sphen and Magic also inspired a Mardi Gras float, appeared together in documentaries and books, and became part of the education syllabus in Australia’s state of New South Wales.

Sphen the gentoo penguin at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

“Sphen and Magic shared a bond unlike most other penguin couples – they could even be found together outside of the breeding season, which is unique for gentoo penguins,” SEA LIFE shared in its release regarding Sphen’s death.

The aquarium alsoposted about Sphen on Facebook, sharing a video “celebrating the life of Sphen” that includes clips of the penguin spending time with Magic and the couple’s chicks.

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“We believe we gave him the best opportunity to move on. It is currently the beginning of the breeding season, and we are seeing all the behaviours we would expect from Magic, which is nest building, feeding, and participating in training,” SEA LIFE added in its Facebook comment.

The aquarium closed its social media post with a sweet tribute to Sphen.

“Sphen’s legacy will live on through the love he shared with Magic and the important conservation messages they helped us spread,” SEA LIFE wrote.

source: people.com