Born in 2012, Sphen, the older of the two penguins, was nearing his 12th birthday when he passed away earlier this month -- which officials say is considered a long life for a gentoo penguin, who have an average life span of roughly 12 to 13 years.

Ummm, if the average is 12-13 years and you don't even make 12, then you are by definition below average. So it is not a long life. Guess even Alphabet Soup penguins die early.