• Source:JND
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Sphen the gentoo penguin - one half of a world-famous same-sex "power couple" - has died in Australia, aged 11. The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium made the announcement of the penguin’s death on Thursday. 

Sphen passed away from natural causes in August, just before his 12th birthday. “His younger partner immediately started singing, which was beautifully reciprocated by the colony,” the aquarium said.

Sphen and Magic gained worldwide attention in 2018, when their same-sex male relationship made headlines. Known as the penguin power couple, this devoted duo celebrated six years together, successfully adopting and raising two chicks — Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020.

They inspired a Mardi Gras float, were included in the NSW education syllabus, and appeared in the Netflix series Atypical. Their story has been featured in numerous books and documentaries about same-sex animal couples.

Sea Life Sydney further said in the release, that the fame of Sphen and Magic also allowed the aquarium to highlight important issues such as conservation, plastic pollution, global warming, and the protection of wild penguins through fundraising efforts.

Rare Penguin Romance 

Their life together goes beyond being a beautiful love story; Sphen and Magic became powerful symbols of equality globally.

Their bond was exceptional, even spending time together outside the breeding season, which is rare for gentoo penguins. The penguins captured global attention with their charming romance and remained a popular attraction at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium throughout their six-year relationship. 

Sadly, Sphen, the older of the two, passed away earlier this month at nearly twelve years old—a long life for a gentoo penguin, whose average lifespan is around twelve to thirteen years.

However, conservative politician and Australian Christian Lobby leader, Lyle Shelton, accused them of "faking" their love, claiming the aquarium had "manipulated" the penguins into forming a relationship.