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Half of same sex power penguin couple dies

Sphen the gentoo penguin - one half of a world-famous same-sex "power couple" has died in Australia, aged 11.

He and his partner Magic shot to global stardom in 2018 when they fell in love at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, later adopting and raising two chicks.

Their romance has inspired a Mardi Gras float, been referenced in Australia's education syllabus, and even featured in the Netflix series Atypical.

The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium said Sphen had an "immeasurable" impact worldwide as a symbol of equality and a conduit for the conservation cause.

(Picture: Sphen (R) and Magic Credit: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium)

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3 minutes