CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — Cherry, the octopus commonly kept at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, has made her prediction regarding the exciting upcoming World Cup soccer game that will take place between South Africa and South Korea. In a demonstration of her excellent problem-solving ability, Cherry chose the jar that symbolised South Korea’s victory.
This activity involved two identical jars filled with her favourite food item, the white mussel, and decorated with the respective national flags, which were placed on the ground of her tank. “So we have the South African flag and South Korea flag … so it is even and equal,” said aquarist Taygan Roberts. “We’ll pop the jars into the exhibit, and she’ll choose whichever jar she likes.”
Cherry examined both options out of pure curiosity, then attached her tentacles to the South Korean one. This activity is part of the enrichment exercise meant to trigger the animal’s hunting skills.
The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is known for its incredible intelligence and sophisticated brain structure. “She is very curious. She is quite cheeky,” Roberts said, stating that Cherry had been caught two months ago and would be returned to her natural habitat next month.
It evokes memories of Paul the Octopus, who gained worldwide fame for predicting football matches during the 2010 World Cup. Now, as both teams are trying to reach the knockout stages, we shall see whether Cherry’s prediction proves correct.
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