World-famous gay penguin dies and partner has heartbreaking response
Topics: News, World News, Australia, Animals, LGBTQ
Niamh Shackleton
Featured Image Credit: Sea Life Sydney
Topics: News, World News, Australia, Animals, LGBTQ
Animal-lovers across the globe have been left heartbroken following the death of Sphen the gentoo penguin.
Sphen was one half of the world-famous gay penguin pair alongside his partner Magic.
The adorable duo made headlines worldwide back in 2018 when they fell in love at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Australia.
Sphen and Magic later adopted and raised two chicks together.
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But now Sphen has sadly passed away, leaving Magic on his own once more.
Sea life Sydney took to Instagram to announce the devastating news alongside a moving video montage of Sphen.
"We're 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 statement read.
"Sphen and Magic, our beloved 'penguin power couple,' made global headlines in 2018 for their beautiful same-sex relationship, inspiring millions around the world with their story of love, equality, and devotion.
"Sphen’s legacy will live on through the love he shared with Magic and the important conservation messages they helped us spread.
"We invite Sphen's fans to leave a tribute by sharing their messages on our website. Your words will help us keep his memory alive."
Sphen was approaching his 12th birthday before his death. On average gentoo penguins live to around the age of 13 in the wild and 10.5 years in captivity.
According to BBC News, the 11-year-old bird's health had started to deteriorate in the days leading up to his passing.
Due to the pain and discomfort Sphen was experiencing, the aquarium's veterinary team made the difficult decision earlier this month to euthanize him.
An investigation into Sphen's decline is underway, the news outlet reports.
The aquarium noted that when Magic was taken to see Sphen's body in order to help him understand that he wasn't coming back, Magic began singing.
Richard Dilly, the aquarium's general manager, has labeled Sphen's passing as 'heartbreaking'.
"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," he said in a statement.
"We want to take this opportunity to reflect and celebrate Sphen's life, remembering what an icon he was."
Tributes have also been rolling in on social media for Sphen in the wake of the sad news of his passing.
"I’m actually crying right now. I’m so lucky to have seen him when I visited early this year. You will be greatly missed Sphen," one person wrote.
A second added: "Very sad. You brought us so much joy, Sphen!"
"Omg I wasn’t prepared for this sad news," continued another. "Sending love to all the team at Sydney and the wonderful SEA LIFE team who I know will be grieving right now."