Elephants, Monkeys, and Parrots: Animal Predictions for the Football World Cup

As the men's Football World Cup approaches, a charming and unconventional prediction method is taking center stage in Germany: animal oracles. Zoos across Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia have embraced the "WM-Fieber" (World Cup fever) by enlisting their animal residents to forecast match results.

In Aue, the smallest monkey species in the world, pygmy marmosets, have made their pick for Germany's opening match against Curacao, favoring Germany. Meanwhile, zoos in Erfurt and Magdeburg are relying on the wisdom of elephants. Kibo in Erfurt and Kando in Magdeburg will be tasked with predicting outcomes, with Kando making his prediction a day before Kibo.

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The pygmy marmosets, not only the smallest monkey species in the world, but with their lightning-fast reflexes and jumping ability, would also cut a good figure on the football field.

Other participants include parrots at Zoo Leipzig, who are trained to act as "Arakels" (a play on oracle), and meerkats at the Chemnitz Zoo. In Wittichenau, a pony named "Cäsar" will also offer predictions during the "Tag des offenen Hofes" (Open House Day).

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Both contain the same proportions of hay, carrots, and bread. Which food pile he approaches first, whose team is considered the clear loser. The team will be literally eaten.

To motivate the animals, keepers are using their favorite treats. The pygmy marmosets in Aue were enticed with locusts, while Kibo in Erfurt will choose between two identical piles of hay, carrots, and bread. The pile he chooses first will indicate the predicted loser of the match.

Beyond the entertainment value, these animal predictions serve an educational purpose. Zoos like Magdeburg aim to raise visitor awareness about zoological subjects and provide insights into animal husbandry, such as the care of African elephants, in a fun and accessible manner.

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The goal of the campaign is to sensitize visitors to zoological topics in an entertaining way and to provide insights into the keeping of African elephants.