'Gay' penguin Sphen dies: His partner began to sing, and birds in the aquarium followed suit

An aquarium in Australia was filled with birdsong after the iconic 'gay' penguin Sphen died and his partner Magic began to sing, in an unbelievable yet heartwarming moment.

Sphen hit headlines after incubating live eggs with another male gentoo penguin Magic at the Sydney Sea Aquarium in 2018.

Sphen, the older of the duo, was nearly 12 years old when he passed away earlier this month, the aquarium said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 22), adding this is considered a long life for a gentoo penguin, who has an average life span of roughly up to 13 years.

According to a report in The Guardian, Magic began singing after Sphen died. When other birds were taken to see Sphen one last time, they sang too, filling the aquarium with birdsong.

Also read: Sydney's same-sex penguin couple welcome new addition to the family

"Magic immediately started singing, with all the penguins around him joining in the chorus," the paper quoted an aquarium keeper as saying.

“It was a very beautiful moment, the air was just filled with their singing," said the penguin keeper, Renee Howell, adding that it showed how much impact Sphen had on Magic.

“Soon after, he became quite protective of his partner and that was a very emotional time for us, but we needed to do that in order for him to hopefully comprehend what had happened,” Howell added.

The same-sex love story of Sphen and Magic

In 2018, it was noticed that Sphen and Magic began to take turns incubating eggs and spending time together. This was then interpreted in global media as a sign of a gay love story. 

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Sphen and Magic were together for six years and during this period, adopted and raised two chicks: Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020.

Staff, fans mourn death of Sphen

"Staff at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium are heartbroken to share the news that Sphen, one-half of the world’s most famous and loved gentoo penguin couples, has sadly passed away," the aquarium said in the statement.

"Dubbed ‘the penguin power couple,’ the adorable and loyal duo celebrated six years together, " it said. 

Also read:  Australia's same-sex penguins become parents

"Sphen and Magic are more than just a beautiful love story –their 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," it added.

The aquarium noted that Sphen and Magic shared "a bond unlike most other penguin couples", having been found together outside of the breeding season, which is unique for gentoo penguins. 

Tributes started pouring in after the death was announced. 

"I am so sorry for the loss of dear Sphen. He touched the hearts of so many, including mine. I have followed his journey with Magic since the start. The story of Sphen and Magic really highlights the importance of conservation. Sphen, you will be very missed," wrote Stephanie, on the website of the aquarium.    

"My heart stopped when I read this news. I have always loved these penguins and the story of their unbreakable bond. Sphen, you will be missed by thousands. Sending all of my love and well-wishes to the staff of SEA LIFE - and of course, to Magic," wrote Leigh.

(With inputs from agencies)