Sydney mourns loss of Sphen, beloved same-sex penguin

The Australian LGBT community has lost a significant advocate. The Sydney Aquarium has announced the death of Sphen the penguin, known to the general public as the partner of Magic, with whom he formed a same-sex couple.

Homosexuality among animals is a phenomenon known to researchers of specific species. Same-sex pairs form among chimpanzees, black swans, giraffes, and dolphins, among others. Members of these groups sometimes decide to raise offspring together. Researchers indicate that black swan chicks raised by two males have a higher survival rate than those raised by heterosexual pairs. Despite this, homosexuality among animals continues to provoke controversy, especially if a pair inhabits a zoo.

In 2018, global media focused on the Sea Life aquarium in Sydney. The reason for the sudden interest was a pair of gentoo penguins, Sphen and Magic. There would be nothing unusual about it, except that both birds were male. The extraordinary pair quickly grew fond of each other and even undertook the challenging task of raising two chicks.

Sphen's popularity was appreciated by the creators of the show "Atypical" and the builders of a Mardi Gras platform. According to the aquarium staff, the penguin's health began to deteriorate significantly, leading his caretakers and veterinarians to make the exceptionally difficult decision to euthanize Sphen. The penguin passed away at the beginning of August 2024, leaving behind a heartbroken Magic. The heart of Sphen’s partner might remain broken for a long time—these birds are monogamous and form lifelong pairs. There are known cases where penguins fall into depression after their partners' death, leading to suicide. The birds then separate from the colony, heading to places without ocean access, condemning themselves to certain starvation.

News of Sphen's death, known worldwide due to his orientation and relationship with the penguin Magic, was announced by the Sea Life aquarium in Sydney. The caretakers of the extraordinary bird wrote on Instagram: "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. 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"

Source: "The Guardian"