Mexico will win its match against South Africa in the World Cup opener next Thursday - at least that's how the blue-throated macaws at Leipzig Zoo see it. After some hesitation, the parrots have decided in favor of the World Cup co-hosts. "As South Americans, the macaws have a special connection to the World Cup venues," said zoo director Jörg Junhold. So perhaps local patriotism also played a role in the decision.
The endangered South American birds continue the tradition of the animal oracle at the zoo during the World Cup and European Championships. The "Arakel" - as the zoo calls it - is allowed to choose between two balls made of willow branches, on which the flags and country names of the respective teams are attached. "There was no food in there. It's just about curiosity," explains zookeeper Florian Ullmann, who is jointly responsible for the South America section at Leipzig Zoo.
Blue-throated macaws are highly intelligent. The animals at Leipzig Zoo are still young and therefore particularly playful and curious. After its dress rehearsal today, the "Arakel" will be used before Germany's matches in the future. The German national team will play its first game at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico next Sunday evening against Curaçao.
