A leopard shark named Ritinha predicted a Brazil victory in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].
The aquarium used the sporting event to draw attention to the plight of marine predators and challenge public misconceptions about shark behavior.
Ritinha, a resident of the AquaRio aquarium in Rio de Janeiro, participated in the prediction on June 3, 2026 [1]. In front of an audience, the shark was presented with two buckets: one labeled for Brazil and one labeled for Morocco [1, 2]. Ritinha chose the bucket labeled for Brazil, which the facility presented as a forecast for the match [1, 2].
Marcelo Szpilman, the director of AquaRio, said the stunt was designed to raise awareness for shark conservation. By associating the animal with a high-profile global event, the aquarium aimed to combat negative myths surrounding the species.
"The shark is an animal that needs to be conserved and has a very bad myth surrounding it," Szpilman said [1].
The event took place as the world prepared for the opening match on June 3, 2026 [1]. While the shark's choice provided a lighthearted moment for football fans, the aquarium emphasized that the primary goal was to educate the public on the ecological importance of sharks, animals often feared despite their role in maintaining ocean health.
Szpilman said the effort to change public perception is critical for the long-term survival of the species in the wild [1, 2].
“Ritinha chose a Brazil-labeled bucket over a Morocco-labeled one.”
By leveraging the global visibility of the FIFA World Cup, AquaRio is employing 'emotional branding' to shift the public image of sharks from dangerous predators to animals in need of protection. This strategy attempts to replace fear with curiosity, potentially increasing support for conservation policies and funding.
