Penguin Power Couple to Spread Message at Mardi Gras

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: February 10, 2021 5:30 pm

Sphen and Magic with their certificate from the NSW teacher’s federation

Photo Credit: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Penguin power couple Sphen and Magic from SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium have provided the inspiration for a float as part of the Mardi Gras Parade at the Sydney Cricket Ground this year. The float is aiming to encourage the inclusion of more LGBTQI+ content and diverse families into NSW’s curriculum!

The float is a collaboration between SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the NSW Teacher’s Federation. It will feature inflatable version’s of the same-sex penguin couple and their two chicks.

Mardi Gras is scheduled to take place on March 6th 2021.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium have given their full backing to the float which is aiming to send a message of love and support to all rainbow families – especially those with young children in school.

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“We are incredibly honoured to have made friends with an organisation that is as motivated to support LGBTQI+ communities and rainbow families as much as we are here at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium,” said Richard Dilly, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s General Manager. “Young people need and deserve to see themselves reflected in the content that they learn at school and we hope Sphen and Magic’s inflatable replicas at Mardi Gras can contribute to ensuring this happens now and in the future.”

“In 2020 Federation was attacked by One Nation in NSW for encouraging teachers to incorporate diverse families in their curriculum. We know that it’s vitally important for young people to see themselves reflected in the content that they learn in order to feel connected to their school experience, as well as to feel seen and acknowledged,” said Mel Smith, Deputy Secretary Communications and Administration and Officer attached to LGBTQI Matters.

“The family mentioned in Federation’s training was Sydney’s own same sex penguin couple Sphen and Magic. So, as a result, our float this year pays homage to Sphen, Magic and their two chicks, and sends a message of love and support to all rainbow families – especially those with young children in school. The float sends a message that we will not be bullied into silence and that we celebrate our LGBTIQ members, students and community – including our gay penguin neighbours.”

Sphen and Magic became well-known in 2018 when they adopted their first egg and successfully raised the resulting chick. In 2020 they reunited to raise another chick.