“Psychic” octopus Paul, who grew in fame (and infamy) during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, died last night at the Oberhausen Sea Life Centre in Germany. The two-year-old octopus died overnight and was found by aquarium staff this morning.
Paul became famous for successfully predicting the outcome of World Cup games in which Germany was playing in the 2010 tournament, also “foreseeing” Spain’s win over the Netherlands in the final.
According to Sport24, manager at the Oberhausen aquarium Stefan Porwoll said fans need not worry, as Paul’s namesake and successor was already being groomed. He also said that Paul might be given his own burial site within the aquarium’s grounds and that a permanent shrine might be erected in his memory.
Paul’s death, while sudden, should come as no surprise: Octopuses seldomly live longer than five years, typically lasting two to three.
At the Two Oceans Aquarium, we’re saddened by the passing of this psychic cephalopod, and are reminded to appreciate our own all the more.
Jabulani the octopus, aka Houdini, gained popularity when he predicted the outcome of the World Cup final correctly, and we’re relieved to report he’s happy and healthy.
