Vale Sphen | 2012 - 2024
- Thursday 22nd August 2024
- Penguins
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.
Sphen and Magic shot to fame in 2018 when news of their same-sex male relationship made global headlines. Dubbed ‘the penguin power couple,’ the adorable and loyal duo celebrated six years together, successfully adopting and raising two chicks – Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020.
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.
Through Sphen and Magic’s fame, the aquarium has also been able to share important messages on conservation, plastic pollution, global warming, and the importance of protecting wild penguins through fundraising initiatives.
Sphen and Magic shared a bond unlike most other penguin couples – they could even be found together outside of the breeding season, which is unique for gentoo penguins. Sphen, the older of the two, was nearly twelve years old when he passed away earlier this month. This is considered a long life for a gentoo penguin, who have an average life span of roughly twelve to thirteen years.
In Loving Memory of Sphen
Fans of Sphen and Magic are encouraged to leave a message of support to the team or a tribute to Sphen below.
*Please note, tributes will be reviewed by our penguin team prior to sharing below.
Your Tributes
| 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 highlight the importance of conservation. Sphen, you will be very missed. - Stephanie | Sphen and Magic were equality icons. My heart breaks for the keepers and the whole Sea Life Sydney team. - Mark |
| 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. - Leigh | What joy Sphen brought to the people of Sydney and his partner Magic. We are saddened to hear about his passing but how lucky we were to have known him. Our condolences to Magic and the team at Sea Life. - Sydney Newsroom |
| Dear Sphen, you taught the world so much. We will never forget you, habibi - Rach | Sphen’s gonna be having fun surfing the rainbow waves up there. Bless your souls keepers, for taking great care of him (& Magic). Sphen’s legacy lives on because of you too. Penguin superstar, Sphen, thank you for being you. We will miss you. - Indah |
| GLORY to Sphen and Magic, and the staff at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. - Luis | Thank you Sphen and Magic for showing the world that love naturally comes in many forms. Our hearts ache for Magic. - Miriam |
| Too perfect a story. Whoever put humans in charge and made animals subservient made a big mistake... We have so much to learn from them xx - Rob | Rest well, Sphen. My heart is breaking for Magic, Lara, Clancy, and the whole penguin/sea-life team. Thank you for sharing their story with us. I don't know what else to say except that my heart is breaking. <3 - PenguinMother |
| RIP...to a champion. Love shows no boundaries. We should embrace & celebrate a life well lived & loved by all. - Vicki | Dear Sphen, I am so sorry that you are no longer with us however you made a wonderful and positive impact on the world. Be free and with love. - Patricia |
| Resting in peace I hope little guy, what a wonder to the world you were with your beautiful Magic..so sad.. - Vivienne | You were just being a penguin, but to us all, your love was so brave and so beautiful. Thank you for letting us celebrate you, and now mourn you. Rest in sweet peace Sphen. - Hannah |
| Vale Sphen. You, and your partner Magic, showed the world that same-sex love is indeed natural and that same-sex partners make brilliant parents. You will be missed. - Brett | From the UK RIP Sphen - Karl |
| I am so sorry for the loss of dear Sphen - Chantal | Beautiful Sphen .. Rip .. - Jen |
| Saddened to hear of Sphen\'s passing. My thoughts are with Magic, Sphengic and Clancy. I hope they continue to flourish with the love they receive from the Sea Life team and continue to make a world of difference. Wishing strength and positivity ❤️ - Ferry |
Celebrate Sphen’s memory by contributing to the SEA LIFE Trust (ANZ)—your donation will help support our conservation efforts through innovative conservation campaigns, scientific research, and inspiring education we champion for plastic-free oceans, sustainable fishing, effective Marine Protected Areas and an end to over-exploitation of marine life.
