Gay penguin sings upon partner’s passing
SYDNEY—When Sphen, one half of the gay penguin couple whose love captivated the world, died earlier this month in Sydney, his partner Magic began to sing.
Gentoo penguins Sphen and Magic became symbols of same-sex love in 2018, drawing the interest of zookeepers, then the world, after aquarium staff noticed the two males building a nest together.
Soon they were given live eggs to incubate from other penguin couples. They hatched chick Sphengic that year and Clancy, two years later.
This was not the first time same-sex penguin couples had adopted eggs in captivity, with a handful of zoos worldwide reporting similar cases. Unlike many mammal species, male and female penguins equally take on the same parenting roles.
Sphen and Magic’s relationship would inspire a float in Sydney’s world-famous Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade and feature in the Netflix series “Atypical.”
But the “power couple,” as they were called, also had their critics, with some in conservative circles saying the penguins were unwittingly being used to push a political agenda.
Same-sex couples in the animal world are not unheard of, although they are often short-lived in the wild.
Sphen, the older in the couple, was nearly 12 when he passed away early in August, Sydney’s Sea Life Aquariums said in a statement on Thursday.
Chorus of penguins
Gentoo penguins live an average 12 to 13 years—considered a long life span when the sea birds are in captivity.
Staff took Magic to see Sphen’s body so he could understand that he would not be coming home. On seeing Sphen, Magic immediately started singing, followed shortly afterward by a chorus from the other 45 penguins in the colony.
Gentoo penguins can make sounds ranging from honks to brays which their partners can usually identify from the sounds of other penguins.
“Sphen and Magic’s love story captivated the world and it’s been an honor to welcome local and international fans,” said Rachel Dilly, Sea Life’s general manager.
“The team’s focus is now on Magic, who will soon prepare for his first breeding season without Sphen.”
In tributes on Sea Life’s website, people spoke about the joy and inspiration the penguin lovers had brought to their lives.
“Sphen’s gonna be having fun surfing the rainbow waves up there,” said Indah.
“Penguin superstar, Sphen, thank you for being you. We will miss you.” —REPORTS FROM REUTERS AND AFP
