SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium staff saddened by death of gentoo penguin Sphen

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium staff are heartbroken to share the news that Sphen, one-half of the world’s famous and loved gentoo penguin couples, has sadly passed away.

Sphen and Magic went viral in 2018 when the male-male couple successfully adopted and incubated an egg at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. The hatched chick was named Lara by its Penguin Carers but nicknamed by the public as SPHENGIC after her parents.

The duo reunited in 2020 to set up a nest and adopt their second egg, which successfully hatched in November 2020. The second child’s arrival went viral in the same month, along with the news of six other Gentoo Penguin chicks hatching at the aquarium during the same breeding season.

Sphen and Magic had an impact around the world as a symbol of equality is immeasurable. They inspired a Mardi Gras float, have been included in the NSW education syllabus, and even featured in the Netflix series Atypical. Countless books speak of their love story, even documentaries on same-sex animal couples have featured Sphen and Magic.

Through Sphen and Magic’s fame, the aquarium has been able to share important messages on conservation, plastic pollution, global warming, and the importance of protecting wild penguins through fundraising initiatives.

Richard Dilly, General Manager at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium shared “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.

“We want to take this opportunity to reflect and celebrate Sphen’s life, remembering what an icon he was, the unique bond he shared with Magic and the positive impact he made in the world.

“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.”

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. Sphen, the older of the two, was nearly 12 years old when he passed away earlier this month.

To help Magic, who turns nine in November, process the loss, the team took him to see Sphen so that he could understand his partner wouldn’t return. He immediately started singing, which was beautifully reciprocated by the colony.

Fans of Sphen and Magic are encouraged to leave a message of support to the team at www.visitsealife.com/sydney/information/news/vale-sphen/