Cherry the Octopus Predicts Accurate Football Showdown 

It seems Cherry, the Two Oceans Aquarium’s resident octopus, was right about her prediction for last night’s FIFA World Cup match between South Africa and Mexico.

As a nod to the legendary octopus Paul, who made a series of remarkably accurate match predictions during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cherry was presented with two options representing the competing national teams. After a short period of deliberation, she eventually chose Mexico.

Of course, many members of the Aquarium’s South African audience were quick to suggest that Cherry was simply confused, insisting that South Africa would come out on top which of course wasn’t the case. Mexico won 2-0.

Cherry’s prediction activity forms part of a regular enrichment programme administered by Taygan Roberts, Aquarist and Octopus Keeper at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Octopuses are renowned for their intelligence, and part of Cherry’s care involves extensive enrichment to keep her mentally stimulated before her release back into the ocean.

By hiding her favourite foods in jars, tubes and boxes, providing tactile toys, and conducting interactive sessions, Roberts encourages Cherry to use her natural hunting instincts, problem-solving abilities and curiosity to explore her environment.

“Cherry’s prediction is a fun way to connect people with South Africa’s amazing marine life. Octopuses are remarkably intelligent animals, and while we can’t guarantee her football knowledge, she certainly made her choice with confidence,” says Roberts.

Whether her prediction would prove to be accurate or not, Cherry has already won the hearts of the Aquarium family and many beyond. 

The Two Oceans Aquarium will certainly have been happy to see that she has indeed inherited some of Paul the octopus’s famous forecasting flair.

Image: Cherry eventually chose the jar labelled with the Mexican flag, predicting the winner of last night’s match. Supplied by Two Oceans Aquarium