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 | Such a sad day for Magic, Lara, Clancy and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium staff. My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Sphen and Magic had a beautiful bond and love story together that showed us that the boundaries of love are endless. 💔 - Sharon |
| Sphen, your story was inspiring and we will miss you. My condolences to the family. - Eva | You will be missed!!! Stay strong Magic ❤️ - Heather and Eva |
| After struggling with coming out I found out about the cutest couple in the world, while people had celeb couples, I had Sphen and Magic, it was always my dream to see the pair. on hearing the news i broke down, they were the true cutest couple, - Amilie | From the Netherlands I would like to wish you and Magic a lot of strenght with this loss. - Kristel |
| Thank you Sphen for being you! - Ingeborg | Beautiful Sphen, thank you for bringing your Penquin love to all that visited the Aquarium; but especially to Magic, Lara and Clancy. Penquin Pride exists.! Rest well Handsome. x - Sal |
| Vale Sphen. What a little icon. Hope you\'re up there enjoying all the fish and swims. Magic, I hope you find another penguin (pun intended) soon xx - Sarah | A very sad day for everyone involved in his care and the wider community he has impacted. A very special half of the world most famous penguin couple finally at rest. - Charlotte |
| Sphen, you will be missed. - Paula | Much love from the Netherlands - Jackie |
| Rest in peace - Henning |
💜 - Sebas |
| Sphen, you were an absolute legend and I feel so lucky to have watched your story unfold. To the team who helped share Sphen and Magic’s story, thank you for showing the world that love is love, as proven by nature. - Bobbie | "Magic started singing" And a 60 year old man sat in a McDonald's in Manchester UK, started crying over his breakfast. - Ian |
| I am saddened to hear this news. RIP from the Czech republic. - Lukas |
You were and still are an icon to the world Sphen. You and Magic mean so much for so many, even when it’s not so obvious. Thnx for taking care of him and his partner Magic. Rest in peace. - Lewis |
| Vale Sphen. Thank you for living so authentically. Your story has brought joy to many and reminds us that family comes in many beautiful forms. You will be missed. We mourn with Magic and your loved ones left behind. - David | Beautiful Sphen, You are a wonderful soul who will be deeply missed. Your partner, children and caretakers will love you forever. Hear the song of your partner and colony, to help guide you on your journey. With all the love and light. Farewell Sphen - Juliette |
| So sorry to hear of the loss of Sphen. My condolences to Magic and the entire team who loved and took care of him. What an icon he was for so many around the world! xx - From London, UK. - Tom | Heartbroken that Sphengic is now one parent down - our thoughts are with Magic. - Friend from UK |
| Rest in Peace Sphen. Thank you for teaching the world and helping to open up their eyes about your unique love. Much love from England. - Will | Farewell Sphen. Thank you for all the joy you have brought us, and our appreciation to the staff at the aquarium who shared your love. We hope Magic, Lara and Clancy are doing ok. Love is love. - Aggie |
| Dear Sphen, you taught the world so much! - Martin | What a lovely romance reminding us that love is love. 💙💙 Sleep tight and rest well Sphen. - Lucy |
| Who would have thought a pair of penguins can teach us so much about life that we humans fail to grasp? Your legacy lives on, Sphen and may Magic find the strength to carry on. Flights of angel sing thee to thy rest, Sphen. Best wishes from Singapore - James | Beautiful Sphen… I’m heartbroken! Love to you, Magic and all the amazing team - who I imagine are grieving badly right now. ❤️ - Martin |
| The story has always warmed my heart. Nature is beautiful and as a parent of three amazing gay children the antics of these two penguins have always warmed my heart. Thinking of you all today. - Maree | Another wonder of the animal world, a lesson to us humans, we are not the only important living beings on this earth. Let\'s hope time heals the penguin colony and that Magic raises more "penguinets". All my warm thoughts to the wonderful staff. - Sarah |
| So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending the team a hug from a Merlin colleague in the UK. - Vicky | Such heartbreaking news. Sphen is a ray of sunshine and he will always have a special place in everyone\'s heart. Thinking of the whole team and wishing you lots of strength during this difficult time. - SEA LIFE Blankenberge - Laura |
| I luv u Spehn and magic ♡ sending all my love and hugs to magic and the other penguins, as well as all the staff at SeaLife. I\'m so glad I got to see Spehn and magic together, back in February ♡ ♡ ♡ - Mia | Sphen, you showed us that love is love. May you rest in peace. - Sheridan |
| Be free and happy dear Sphen. - Elizabeth | Hi Sydney Gang. Really sad the read about the loss of Sphen in the main UK BBC news. Sending loads of love to you all and Magic. Love Beki xx Group Retail Product Compliance Manager - Rebecca |
| Thanks Sphen for all the sweet memories and thanks to you and Magic for making this planet a nicer place. - Jane | Sphen and Magic were just being themselves, and the amount of activism they have unknowingly done with that is incredibly touching. My heart goes out to Magic, Lara, Clancy and the SeaLife staff. We will all miss you dearly Sphen. <3 - Oana |
| Dear Sphen, I wish you a good journey to heaven. May there be lots of fish 🐟 waiting for you in heaven. My thoughts are with your father, your children and your carers. May your journey across the rainbow be full of pride and glitter. - Max | Rest in Peace Sphen. Your legacy will continue to show the beautiful love that can exist between everyone. Love to Magic and all the penguins and staff at Sea Life Sydney. - Jamie |
| Goodbye, darling Sphen. Sweet dreams, little guy. Love you forever. - Diana |
Ciao Sphen 🏳️🌈😞 - Marco |
| to you and to your kind, we bow; your life choices is a lesson for the rest of us, may your memory live and inspire eternally - Alexis | The whole LGTBQ+ community in Dublin is sending love to our pals Sphen and Magic. Together you were magic! Rest in peace Sphen. - Ritus |
| Dear SPHEN, wherever you are now hope you can rest in peace, you have been an example for all, hope a day you and MAGIC will be together in a better world where rights are equal for all. I am an English hospital teacher, and all my students know you .xox - Ombretta | I'm so sorry for your loss Sphen is now with the angels rest in peace dear Sphen 🐧🙏🏾🌈❤🧡💛💚💙💜 - Eline |
| Everyone should love everyone. Even penguins do that. Rest in peace - Luca | I was so sad to hear this. Thankyou Sphen for your contribution to the understanding of diversity, tolerance and kindness. R I P. Much love to dear Magic. - Gary |
| Rest in peace little one. May we all find love the same as you did. Fly away now, your story touched millions of people and will be forever in our hearts x x - Jarrod | So sorry to hear this but I know that dear Sphen had a very happy life. Much love to Magic, the other penguins and staff. x - Susan |
| Sphen, you were so loved and will be so missed. My heart goes out to Magic, Lara and Clancy. You\'re 5000 candles in the wind! - James | Love is love! Condolences to Magic and all of the Sea Life Sydney team. Rest in peace and rainbows Sphen x - Rachel |
| Sphen, You proved that it doesn't matter if you\'re blue, green, aquamarine, from underwater or outer space, everyone deserves love all the same. <3 - Relyimah | A truly remarkable love and life story with so much to teach us all. Thoughts are with Magic and all the penguin team x - Frances |
| To all the people, acquaintances and friends of Magic & Sphen my deepest condolences. Although our hearts are broken 💔 let`s celebrate the courage and life of Sphen of being different and okay. Teaching us love, caring for a loved one and family. - Jan |
Rest in peace dear Sphen. You gave so much to so many. May your memory live forever and forever in our heart. - Ichi |
| Congratulations to the penguin team for being such a great team, for the support to the penguins, for making Sphen and Magic famous and impactful! - Grazia | Sphen with Magic, you showed the world love has no limits or boundaries, that it’s a beautiful thing as long as there is always respect, trust and friendship to go with it. Now you’re gone, Magic & your brood will be well loved & cared for. 💔🌈 - Tilly |
| Don't be sad, Magic. You can look back on fantastic years with a very loving partner! - Thomas | Love you, from Japan. - Higashi |
| Always on our minds ❤️❤️ - Assun | Sphen, We will miss you very much. Roberto Herreira Bueno e José Paulo Herreira Bueno. - Roberto |
| The World, too often, can seem heavy, dark and discouraging. This beautiful pair has brought a warm and wonderful, joy, hope and light to so many of us over the years. Sphen's and Magic's energies WILL mingle again someday. True love never dies! 💌 - Paulette | I only just discovered the story of Sphen and Magic, how beautiful! Sending lots of love to the whole team at SeaLife Sydney, and big cuddles to Magic after losing his mate. Waddle your little wings high over the rainbow bridge Sphen ❤️🐧🌈💐 - Lexi |
| I'm deeply sorry for the loss of Sphen. He brought so much joy and warmth to those who knew his story. In a world that can often feel cold, he was a reminder of the deep bonds that exist in nature. My thoughts are with everyone who had the honor of caring for Sphen - Francesca | We will always be reminded of dear Sphen when we watch Atypical. Sphen, without knowing it, you were such an inspiration to many people from all over the world. RIP. Sad greeting from Cologne in Germany - Yvonne |
| Sphen and Magic may humanity learn from your example. Thanks!!! 🐧❤️🐧 - Paula | Sphen wasn't just a penguin—he was an icon of love and equality. With his partner Magic, he showed us that love is love, no matter what. Sphen, you'll be missed, but your legacy will always remind us to embrace love in all its forms. Rest easy, Sphen - Elijah |
| I’ve always loved penguins and currently studying biology/marine biology so one day I get to study penguins and research them. Hearing this news at 4 am I was heartbroken. Sphen was such an icon. I’m just so shocked and can’t describe this feeling. - Mari | What an incredible story. Being from the UK, I had't heard of Sphen and Magic until now, but kudos to this admirable duo for helping to raise awareness of so many important issues. Rest in Peace, Sphen. - Sam |
| Hi Sphen! the sweetness of a little being can be greater than the hearts of many men. Swim free and happy in the infinite sea of joy - Toscana-Italia - Bruno | Hello from the USA. My heart goes out to Sphen\'s human keepers, as well as his penguin community, and especially Magic. I hope he can form new connections and find joy again. - Lauri |
| What a beautiful love story between Sphen and Magic. The love was not only a love between two male penguins, but was also a voice for equality in the whole world. Thanks to the Sea Life Sydney team for caring so much and making their love visible. - René | This is so sad but I am so glad that Sphen managed to live a happy full life with his life partner and raised 2 chicks. Vale Sphen! - Karen |
| May his memory be a blessing. - Gordon | Thank you Sphen and Magic for showing the world the true love. We will all miss your beautiful example shown to the world. You were a successful penguin. Congratulations to the whole team of the aquarium for taking care of the penguins. - Ricardo |
| Sphen and Magic are the example for humanity and Sphen will be forever in all our hearts - Carla | Thanks to you, many people discovered what wise nature is capable of doing, and that no living being is imperfect, it is simply different. With all the love towards you and your family, an eternal hug wherever your energy goes, rest in peace. - Eva |
| Dearest Sphen, You and Magic have shown the world the boundless power of love, a love when nurtured is capable of flourishing and making of a future that makes us all more whole 💕🙏🏼💕 Rest in Power and Peace, Sphen - Joseph |
RIP - Bobli |
| Frende Magic hold on. Warm greetings from Croatian proud penguins. Your life brightened our life. May your feathers be easy. - Marko | I have just heard the sad news of Sphen's passing. May he rest in peace. I hope his loving partner, Magic will always remember him and his children, Lara and Clancy will too. - Alexander |
| I did not know of Sphen and Magic until I read about the couple and Sphens death. It is such a wonderful story, and I am grateful that the aquariums staff made it possible to let them breed and take care of young ones. Take good care of Magic! - Micheline | Tribute to Sphen who gave us such a beautiful story of Universal love and tolerance. People can learn a lot of his teachings. - Geert |
| Sending Magic thoughts of love, letting him know we are all there for him. - John | I remember hearing about Sphen and Magic when I was a lot younger, and while coming to terms with my own sexuality, they aided my realization that it\'s normal and natural for me to be queer. Thank you Sphen for being out and proud <3 - Myles |
| Dear Sphen, I hope wherever you are, you are in a good place. Thank you for reaching us love has no boundaries. May your soul rest in peace, and may you keep finding magic in all your lifetimes! xx - Sans | May we all collect plastic and other rubbish from our precious beaches and seas, to give our wildlife what they deserve a nice and healthy life! - Evelien |
| 🖤💜❤️🧡💛💚💙✨ - Nola | Rest In Peace Sphen 😥😥🙏 - Astrid |
| True love is wonderful. The Netherlands - Ad Besseling | Some believe some believe. What a beautiful story - Tonio |
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A few years ago I saw the story of Sphen and Magic on the Dutch television....and today, in the Dutch news, they announced the passing of Sphen...so said...Lots of love for the other penguins and the staff. - Kim |
To the stories you inspired, and the ones that still have yet to be told in your name, thank you, Sphen. The love you inspired will never be forgotten. - Sophie |
| Have fun in heaven, Sphen. You will be missed. - Pingirl
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Sphen and Magic’s story brought me a lot of joy those years ago when I first heard about them. That the power couple raising two chicks is inspiring to someone hoping to do the same with his own partner. Thank you for caring for Sphen! - Kai |
| 🐧🌈 🐧❤️ - Patricia | Houdoe hè! - Rico |
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I'm so sorry for your loss! Sending love and hugs from Germany where I heard the news on the \'tagesschau\' WhatsApp channel. - Mel |
I just loved there story. It made me convince that love between equal genders is possible and acceptable. I hope his partner will be able to deal with this loss. - Hannie |
| We are sorry for the loss op Sphen. He and Magic changed the world forever! - Hans & Laurens |
I'm feeling sad about Sphen passing away. My sincere condolences to his beloved ones. He was a good penguin. xoxo Pingu - Wesley |
| Hello beautiful darling... you were a beautiful boy. - Katinka |
It’s incredible to see the everlasting impact Sphen has had on the world at large. Sending Magic all the love and light from California today. Holding Magic and the entire Sydney Aquarium in our thoughts today. - Misty |
| Un pensiero. - Marco |
Rest in peace Sphen. From Groningen, the Netherlands - Maureen |
| This story has been shared in Cincinnati, Ohio and has touched the hearts of many. Thanks Sphen for showing that compassion and love has no boundaries. - Julie |
R.I.P., you lovely soul - Silvia |
| Sphen, the joy you brought Magic and the rest of the world was insurmountable. Thank you for being you and thank you for a life well lived. Lots of love and we’ll miss you always - Goose |
Please accept my deep condolences on the loss of Sphen. He and Magic made the world just a little bit brighter and brought joy to so many. I hope Magic is doing all right and adjusting after his loss. - Emily |
| My heart absolutely breaks for Magic, the colony, and the entire team that looks after them. Sending massive condolences from the US. Thank you for sharing their lives and love with the world. As a former Merlin star, I grieve with you all. 🌈⭐🐧 - Andy |
RIP !!! 😪🌈😪 - Jose |
| Not since the passing of Princess Diana have I been so overwhelmingly moved by another's passing. The world has clearly lost a beautiful and inspirational soul. Bless you, Sphen, your memory, Magic, and the team at Sealife Sydney. x x - Mark |
May your soul rest easy 🖤 - Bence from Hungary |
| Thank you Sphen and magic for showing how in different ways love flourishes - Shania |
Rest in peace, Sphen 🐧 - Philip |
| Love you Sphen ♥️♥️♥️Rip Big hug for Magic! So sorry for your loss 💔 such a beautiful love story ♥️♥️♥️🙏 - Lizy |
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sphen. · My deepest sympathy goes out to Magic. Thank you so much to you both for showing the world that love has no boundaries ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍 - Ely |
| My spouse and I chose each other at this same time. We are now married 2 years and we thank you for it. As we watched your courtship and the developing love between you and Magic, our love came to fruition. Condolences to Magic and the group. ❤️♾️💙 - Kim - Las Vegas, NV |
May you rest in peace Sphen, you are an unsurpassable example of love and life. You are more than Jesus Christ truly. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🏳️🌈❤️🏳️🌈❤️🏳️🌈❤️🏳️🌈 - Éric |
| R.I.P dear Sphen! Thank you for your contribution to this world lovely penguin. ❤️ - Simone (the Netherlands) |
Thank you Sphen, for the great life lesson you gave to everyone around the world ❤️ - Eva |
| Rest in peace Sphen and good luck to your partner - Ans Verheggen |
Farewell to wonderful Sphen. Magic is in good hands. All of you must be gutted by Sphen’s passing. Sending love, hugs and gratitude for all that you do for all the animals, through the best and worst of times. - Maureen |
| I am in tears and want you to know I am sending you my prayers. My heart goes out to Magic. - Kathy |
Sleep well, beautiful animal. Without knowing you enlighted the world. - Rick |
| Sphen you and Magic were trailblazers. Sphen you gave us hope and warmth in our hearts. You will always be loved. My condolences to the team that has the task to watch over these magical creatures. So sorry for your loss. - Sandy |
you will be missed..... - Johnny |
| An inspiration to us all! Love has no boundaries! Thank you for showing us that any kind of love ❤️ is worth fighting for... - Rosa |
Dearest Sphen I hope you went to penguin paradise, you deserve it. - Carole |
| It's so sad to have lost half of a beautiful couple. My heart goes out to bereft Magic. Godspeed sweetheart 💜 - Marie-Louise |
I hope you find love again in heaven as well as real freedom! Love - Lelke |
| So sorry to hear about the loss of Spehn, unfortunately never got to see him but followed his amazing journey with his partner magic. Me being an avid penguin fan, would like to pay my condolences to magic and the staff at Sydney Sea Life R.I.P Spehn - Kyle Roberts (UK) |
This story touched my soul. I heard about the gay penguins but never looked into it too much. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends and human care takers. Such a beautiful family and a message of love! - Samuel |
| Thank you Sphen for showing us that love has no boundaries ❤️ - HZ |
I haven loved penguins since I was 3 years old. I am now 73. I wanted to tell u how heartbroken I am for your loss. This is a loss for all of us but, hardest for all of you, especially Magic. Please know I am praying for comfort and strength for all - Kathy |
| Always in our hearts Sphen - Alejandro |
What a beautiful life they shared together. Sphen is going to be busy picking out a perfect new spot when Magic is ready to cross the rainbow waves. Your love shined on all of us. Holding your love in our hearts. Hugs and love. - Ash |
| My heart is breaking for Magic, Lara and Clancy. You guys have taught us so much about love and life! I’ll be eternally grateful and will always share your story. Thank you Sphen❤️ - Chiara |
🤍🤍 - Enza |
| Thank you for bringing light into a darkening world. I wish I was there to hear your song. - Jeff |
Their story should teach a lot to humankind. We have a lot to learn from them. - Aurelio |
| To anyone who is reading this hoping to find hope and courage, Sphen’s story came to me in the form of a children’s book written about the family. It stirred up controversy and public debate in my country - Singapore. Their story got people thinking. - Yi Z |
I know ve your all and everything miss u 4 all time, Amen. - Aulton |
| Goodbye Sphen, thank you for your trailblazing and for living your authentic truth. Gay rights ❤️ - Lane and Deniz |
The rainbow bridge will be lined with all the fish you can eat Sphen. May your loving legacy live on in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond! Luv. - Let's Talk Wild |
| 💖 - Giancarlo, Italy |
I am saddened for the Gentoo penguin colony's loss, especially for Sphen's partner, Magic. Thank you for the respect and love you showed them. I am searching for the video of the colony singing after his death - it must have been very touching. - Laurie |
| I am a vet and anthropologist teaching at the University of the Philippines. Sphen and Magic’s story will be part of my classes in the years to come, to spark students to redefine life, love and humanity. - Michael |
Sending love and condolences...you forever captured our hearts 💙 - Conrad |
| A life well lived. My deepest condolences to Magic. - Joe |
Rest in peace dear, thank you for the joy you brought ❤️ - Anita |
| We are so sorry to hear about Sphen's death. What a wonderful story about him and Magic at Sea Life Aquarium and their devotion to each other and to raising their chicks! Love is love. - Mardi and Brian |
We so sad we love you sphen 💜 my sincere condolences and big hugs to his dear loved one magic 💜go fly to heavens big bright rainbow 🌈 of love💜 your great loves will live on in hearts all around the world 💜🌈🐾 - Wendy |
| Rest In peace Sphen x - Elly |
Rest in peace, Sphen. You & Magic's LOVE and DEVOTION will still be ever so inspirational to many. Condolences to Magic and the fantastic Sea Life team. Bless all love birds. - Harry (TAIWAN) |
| We love you Sphen. - Kayla |
I cried so much reading the news, most of it from how grateful I've been to know this love existed in our world. The Sphengical moments you brought us, halfway around the world virtually, are forever etched in my memory as an inspiration of love. - Washingtonian Penguin |
| We just learned about you, Magic, and your chicks, and now we are crying that you have gone. Wish magic and the babies the best! 😭😢 - Ramirez fam |
We too sing for the loss of Sphen and share our love for Magic. You are not alone. - Jan and Elbert from Holland |
| Dear Sphen, I love you hope you in heaven rest in peace Sphen 2012-2024 - Koroi |
Thank you, Sphen, for the love you gave to your partner and to all of us. - Bernhard Veil, Germany |
| I feel the pain in my heart with the death of Sphen My condolences to all the people taking care of Sphen. May he rest in peace - Richard |
My heart is broken when I read the news op Sphen. May he rest in Peace and thanks you all who took care of him. My heart is crying - Richard James |
| RIP Sphen. ty for being an icon. someday, you will reunite with magic - Daz |
Dear Sphen, I just learned about you and your partner Magic. Great that the two of you without human problems could follow your nature. I am joining now the sad and loving choir for your departure. Good bye Sphen, and Magic, stay strong. - Pim Ligtvoet (Amsterdam NL) |
| My deepest condoleances for the death of Sphen My heart is broken reading Sphen is death - James |
Sphen, I hope wherever you are, you are in a happy place. May you find your magic in all your lifetimes. rest in peace and condolences to the carers.❤️❤️ - Sans |
| I'm so sorry to hear about Sphen passing away! My thoughts are with the Sea Life Sydney team, Magic and the rest of the colony. Sphen impacted so many people around the world, a true icon. - Lucy |
Dear Magic, I hope you find the courage to live without your beloved partner 🌈💞. He had you in his heart and so will you always have Sphen in your heart. Take care 💖🍀 - Karin |
| Sphen, you will be missed. His ability to love and the affection he showed for Magic and his adopted children were remarkable. You showed us that diversity and love exist everywhere. Thank you for everything. Go with God. - José Barbosa (Brazil - Sergipe - Aracaju) |
To dear Magic, I only hope you don’t suffer too much on the loss of your dearest friend and partner Sphen. Perhaps you will find solace and new love and comfort in the future with the help and care of the penguins and keepers at Sea Life. - Annie |
| Rest in peace Sphen and good luck Magic. Beautiful guys. - Pejee |
Sphen played a major role in making sure and understanding that nothing is unusual or impossible in nature. Please, take good care of Magic. Un cordial saludo to all fans. - Brigitte from Spain |
| My heart aches for Magic and the entire colony. Thank you all for sharing these amazing creatures with us and may they all be safe and loved forever. - Lynn |
Dear Sphen thanks for being you! Amsterdam - Claire |
| I am so sad that Sphen has left us, even if it was on time. We are all so lucky to have had him in our world. My heart breaks for all of the Sea Life staff and the rest of the penguin colony. - Krista |
What a sad news, but so beautiful that they said goodbye to him. RIP Sphen! Love from the Netherlands - Ellen |
| Sad news of the death of pinguin Sphen is important news in one of the most important newspapers of the Netherlands. I am very touched by the singing by Magic and the other pinguins. Condolences for you, for Magic, Lara, Clancy. Love from Holland - Louise |
Such a beautiful story of love and commitment. Heart warming. If you are planning a memorial my husband and I would love to contribute!! - Thomas & Douglas - Palm Springs, California |
| Thank you, wonderful team to have given Sphen and Magic the life they deserved together. Thank you, amazing Sphen for being who you were. Take care, dear Magic, you will be fine with so many human and penguin friends around you. With so much love! - Cornelia Adams , the Netherlands |
Thank you for all that you did for the LGBTQIAPN+ community! We love you! - Bruna |
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.
