Paul the “psychic” Octopus not for Sale
The greatest sensation at the FIFA 2010 World Cup continues to catch the imagination of soccer fans around the world. The “psychic” octopus, maintained a hundred percent prediction record throughout the course of the month long tournament that was the first ever to be staged in the African continent.
Nicknamed Paul, the famous octopus oracle has become a living legend as he continues to be the centre of attraction in his German aquarium in Oberhausen.
His remarkable record has renewed his pedigree as offers from betting offices and zoos for adoption become a norm for his owners.
The love for the cephalopod grew many folds after he correctly predicted the outcome of the final in favour of the Spain. The Spaniards won their first ever World cup toppling the Netherlands in the final of the tournament by a solitary goal scored in the dying stages of the second half of extra time, with Iniesta netting the winner.
Subsequently, the demand for Paul increased in the country with Madrid zoo apparently the latest to launch a bid for the hottest celebrity around these days.
The zoo has laid the claim for the world's most famous octopus, as they hope that they get to keep him for his final year of life in the Spanish capital in light of his correct prediction that was in favour of the Spaniards.
The zoo has already arranged for a special pool for him and is now in talks with German Sea Life zoo in Oberhausen to carry out a species exchange.
However, there remains a stumbling block as according to his owners he is not up for sale.
"We are not in contact with the Madrid zoo. We are not aware of any exchange of Paul with another animal, and he would also not go to the zoo Madrid for a transfer fee", claimed a spokesman for the German zoo.
The spokesman added that selling the English-born octopus, is not an option, "We are very glad about Paul staying at the Sea Life in Oberhausen".
But the lack of interest by the German zoo has not affected the determination of their counterparts in Madrid who insist that they were holding talks with the German aquarium about having Paul in their country in place of some other.
"We're talking with them to see if they want to make an exchange with one of the species we have here, which is the normal procedure to get different species between different zoos. What they might need is corals or small sharks, and in case they don't want any of that we have talked about maybe offering money. Let's see what they ask for and what we can offer them", claimed an aquarium worker in Spain.
On the other hand, the fans of the game as well as the general public in Spain are dying to catch a glimpse of Paul.
"Well, he was the one who predicted Spain's win and the responsible for Spain's triumph taking place. And so, we would like to see him". Some of the fans though think otherwise.
"Good, good...He is not going to last that long, so we will be able to eat him and give him an end", joked a fan clearly not hit by the fever yet.
But even if Paul is not allowed to become a part of the Madrid zoo he is set to remain the most famous octopus in Spain.
He has already been awarded honorary citizenship of the county and his owners would be given a badge followed by the construction of a statue of the oracle.
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