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Fri Jul 2, 1:18 pm ET
BERLIN (AFP) An octopus in Germany who has shot to fame by correctly
predicting the outcome of the country's World Cup matches should be set free,
an animal rights group said on Friday.
"Paul has forecast that Germany will beat Argentina. In order that Paul too can
celebrate on Saturday, and not just football fans, PETA Germany ... is now
asking for him to be set free," PETA said in a statement.
The organisation called for the seawater soccer soothsayer, currently in Sea
Life in Oberhausen, western Germany, to be released into a national park in
waters off the south of France where fishing is banned.
"Paul is stuck in a small aquarium ... We think that Paul would be fine in the
sea," marine biologist Tanja Breining from PETA said.
"Octopuses are among the most intelligent of invertebrates. They are capable of
complex thought processes, have short and long-term memories, use tools, learn
through observation, have different personalities and are particularly
sensitive to pain," the organisation said.
Sea Life, however, said it would be a bad idea.
"Animals born in captivity are used to being fed and have no experience finding
food by themselves," a spokeswoman told AFP.
"It is highly likely that he would die."
Two plastic boxes, one with a German flag and one with their opponent's, are
lowered into Paul's tank, each with a tasty morsel of food inside. The box
which Paul opens first is adjudged to be his predicted winner.
Earlier in the tournament, the eight-legged oracle correctly tipped Germany to
beat Ghana and Australia in their Group D matches. And proving he is not just
attracted by Germany's flag, he also correctly predicted a loss to Serbia.
Even though he was born in England, he also treacherously but correctly
foretold Germany's 4-1 victory in the two teams' last-16 clash last Sunday.
Germany face Argentina in the quarter-finals in Cape Town on Saturday.