Elephant, orangutan oracles split on Ecuador-Germany World Cup match

For Tarak, the elephant oracle at the Cologne Zoo, it was a clear-cut case on Wednesday (June 24). He first touched the Ecuadorian ball and therefore sees Germany’s opponent in their final World Cup group match on Thursday (June 25) as the clear favourite.

So far the 5-ton (4.5 metric ton) Asian elephant has always been right with his predictions, but according to the veterinarian Sandra Marcordes, that’s no reason to be in a bad mood.

"I suppose that’s all right. Germany’s through anyway," Marcordes said. Germany has already secured their place in the next round. 

Sumatran orangutan oracle Walter didn’t seem entirely convinced that Ecuador would win. Although he was the first to grab the Ecuadorian sack, he then opted for the treats in the German one. 

With over 20 years of oracle experience with a speciality in football, Walter's predictions shouldn't be underestimated.

"I’d say that, given the intensity with which Walter first focused on the Ecuadorian bag and then on the Germany bag, today’s situation was different from last time. And then he deliberately and with obvious pleasure took the items out of the Germany bag," said Marcel Stawinoga, spokesperson of Dortmund Zoo, where Walter lives. "It’s a close call. So I wouldn’t be surprised if Ecuador ends up winning it all. It’s not as clear-cut today as it was last time," he added. 

Camera: Stephane Nitschke, Erol Dogrudogan Editing: Stephane Nitschke, Petra Wischgoll Production and Writing: Ulrike Heil/Reuters