Animals at the Guadalajara Zoo in Mexico are predicting winners for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches on a makeshift football field.
The activity blends sports fandom with animal enrichment, using the global tournament to engage visitors and provide cognitive stimulation for the zoo's residents.
Four different species are participating in the predictions, including elephants, gorillas, a puma, and giraffes [1]. The process involves the animals choosing between teams on the field to signal a predicted victory. During the activities, two elephants walked across the field to make their selections [2].
Zoo staff said that the exercise serves a purpose beyond entertainment for the public. Reynoso, a staff member, said, "The betting stimulates many senses" [2]. This sensory stimulation is intended to keep the animals active and engaged with their environment.
Animal-led sports predictions have a historical precedent in the sporting world. One notable example is Paul the Octopus, who correctly predicted 12 of 14 results during the 2010 tournament [1]. While the Guadalajara Zoo's efforts are primarily for amusement, they echo this tradition of using animal behavior to generate interest in major athletic events.
The zoo continues to use the 2026 tournament as a way to highlight the diversity of its animals while celebrating the football culture of Mexico.
“The betting stimulates many senses”
This initiative reflects a broader trend of zoos using 'gamified' enrichment to increase public engagement and animal welfare. By linking the animals' activities to a high-profile event like the World Cup, the zoo maximizes visibility for its conservation efforts while providing sensory stimulation that prevents boredom in captive wildlife.
