Parrots predict World Cup outcomes in a unique zoo oracle

Parrots at Zoo Leipzig are taking on the role of fortune tellers for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, predicting match results with their choices. The blue-throated macaws will select between two willow balls adorned with national flags and names to forecast which team will win.

Zoo director Jörg Junhold suggested the macaws might have a special connection to the World Cup host countries as South Americans, hinting that local patriotism could influence their picks. The endangered South American birds are continuing the zoo's tradition of using animals to predict outcomes in major football tournaments.

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As South Americans, the macaws have a special connection to the World Cup venues.

"The oracle" involves the parrots choosing between two balls, with no food inside, driven purely by curiosity, according to bird keeper Florian Ullmann. These highly intelligent macaws are described as young, playful, and curious. The "oracle" will be used primarily before Germany's matches.

The macaws' first game prediction is for host nation Mexico to win its opening match against South Africa. Germany's first match in the USA, Canada, and Mexico tournament is scheduled for Sunday evening against Curaçao. Previously, California sea lions served as the oracle during the European Championship in Germany two years ago.

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There was no food inside. It was purely about curiosity.