'Symbol for Equality' Gay Penguin 'Sphen' Dies in Sydney Aquarium

Sydney (Australia): Once known as the global symbol for equality and love, gay penguin Sphen has died in the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Australia. 

Sphen, an 11-year-old Australian Gentoo penguin who became a global icon for equality, died of apparent natural causes, according to the Sydney aquarium where he lived his entire life.

To help his buddy Magic cope with the devastating loss, aquarium officials took him to visit Sphen "so that he could understand why his partner wouldn't return," the aquarium stated in a statement.“ 

“Magic immediately started singing, which was beautifully reciprocated by the colony,” Aquarium stated further.

The gay penguin couple gained enormous global fame in 2018. The two were often spotted traversing and swimming together before the breeding season.

The same-sex penguin couple also known as "Sphengic" have inspired millions with their unbreakable relationship and adorable family. Yes, the couple nestled two chicks, Lara and Clancy, their two offspring.

Richard Dilly, the aquarium’s general manager, gave a statement to the media, where he said: “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.”

“We want to take this opportunity to reflect on and celebrate Sphen’s life, remembering what an icon he was,” he further stated.

With an average life span of about 12 to 13 years, Gentoo penguins are the world's fastest swimming birds. When foraging for food or evading predators, they may achieve speeds of up to 36 kilometres (22 miles) per hour. They can also dive to depths of 170-200 meters (560–660 feet).