• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
World-famous gay penguin dies and partner has heartbreaking response

Home> News> Animals

Updated 08:41 22 Aug 2024 GMT+1Published 08:33 22 Aug 2024 GMT+1

World-famous gay penguin dies and partner has heartbreaking response

Beloved penguin Sphen has sadly died at the age of 11

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton

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.

Advert

Sphen, one half of Sea Life Syndey's 'penguin power couple', has died. (Sea Life Sydney)
Sphen, one half of Sea Life Syndey's 'penguin power couple', has died. (Sea Life Sydney)

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.

Advert

"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."

Gay penguins Magic and Sphen found love in 2018. (Sea Life Sydney)
Gay penguins Magic and Sphen found love in 2018. (Sea Life Sydney)

Advert

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.

Advert

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.

Advert

"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!"

Advert

"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."

Featured Image Credit: Sea Life Sydney

Topics: News, World News, Australia, Animals, LGBTQ

Niamh Shackleton
Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

X

@niamhshackleton

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

4 hours ago
6 hours ago
7 hours ago
  • 4 hours ago

    Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke reveals shocking reason she didn’t attend dad’s tributes

    Brooke Oleksy shut down previous reports that she and her late father were on bad terms

    Celebrity
  • 4 hours ago

    Expert reveals the 3 common names you should never give your baby for surprising reason

    All three are strong names that are popular today, but there's a reason why this expert doesn't think you should name your child them

    News
  • 6 hours ago

    James Gunn responds to Trisha Paytas naming baby ‘Aquaman’ following bizarre Ozzy Osbourne conspiracy

    DC Studios' co-CEO has reacted to the internet celeb having named her baby Aquaman - something she revealed on the day Ozzy Osbourne died

    Celebrity
  • 7 hours ago

    Fans spot Kelly Osbourne's 'subtle' tribute to dad Ozzy as she pays her respects during his procession

    The Osbourne family and the rest of the world are grieving the loss of a rock legend

    Celebrity
  • World’s most remote post office has very unique job description
  • Man from viral 'succulent Chinese meal' arrest Jack Karlson dies aged 82
  • Family share heartbreaking video in bid to reunite magpie Molly with her dog best friend
  • Pizza restaurant has incredible response after customer’s heartbreaking request