In 2018, he and his companion Magic became internationally famous after falling in love at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. They went on to adopt and raise two chicks.
Their relationship has been mentioned in Australia’s curriculum, served as the inspiration for a Mardi Gras float, and even starred in the Netflix series Atypical.
As a representative of equality and a spokesperson for environmental causes, Sphen, according to the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, has had a “immeasurable” global influence.
The veterinary team at the aquarium made the painful choice earlier this month to euthanize Sphen to end his life because the penguin’s condition had declined in the days before his death.
The reason behind his decrease is being looked into.
General manager Richard Dilly of the aquarium released a statement saying, “The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking to the penguin colony, the team, and everyone who has been inspired or positively impacted by Sphen and Magic’s story.”
Gentoo penguins are a sub-Antarctic species that are renowned for being passionate monogamists and having an average lifespan of 12 to 13 years.
To help the penguin comprehend that his mate won’t be coming back, Magic, age eight, has been brought to see Sphen’s body.
According to the aquarium, he began singing right away, and the larger penguin colony responded.
