The heartbreaking ending to the love story of a gay penguin couple that went viral

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium in Australia announced on August 22 that a penguin named Sphen had passed away at the age of 12 earlier this month. Sphen and Magic were a gay penguin couple that made headlines in 2018 when aquarium staff noticed the male penguins always staying together and picking up pebbles to build their own nest, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The staff also gave the couple eggs to incubate, which hatched into two chicks, Lara and Clancy. Sphen and Magic's love story became a symbol of same-sex love and inspired a major gay pride parade in Sydney.

Penguin couple Sphen (left) and Magic have been together for 6 years

PHOTO: SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM

The staff will now focus on Magic, who is turning nine this year. Magic sang as he was brought to see his “other half” of six years, followed by the 45 penguins in the colony singing. Sphen’s health had been deteriorating.

The colony is made up of Gentoo penguins, which are known to make distinctive calls to their mates, according to Reuters. Gentoo penguins have a lifespan of about 12 to 13 years.

“Sphen’s passing is heartbreaking for the penguin colony, the staff and everyone who has been inspired by Sphen and Magic’s story,” said Richard Dilly, General Manager of SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Sphen and Magic are not the first known gay penguin couple. Previously, the aquarium in Bournemouth (UK) also witnessed two penguins Diego and Zorro mating, also given eggs to incubate and hatch into baby penguins.

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