Paul the Octopus’s heir? China ‘invites’ panda cub to predict FIFA World Cup results

REMEMBER Paul the Octopus? The soothsaying cephalopod had a perfect predictive record during the last World Cup ... then he died. Now, a potential successor has emerged.

An octopus named Paul sits on a box with decorated with a Spanish flag and a shell inside on July 6, 2010 at the Sea Life aquarium in Oberhausen, western Germany. Paul's task is to decide in favour of one of the shells hidden in boxes with the flags of Germany (L) and Spain to act thus as oracle for the upcoming semi-final match of the FIFA Football World Cup between the two countries on July 7, 2010 in Durban, South Africa. Paul, who had predicted well the result of five matches earlier in the tournament, this time decided for Spain. AFP PHOTO/PATRIK STOLLARZ

REMEMBER Paul the Octopus?

The soothsaying cephalopod correctly predicted the results of every match Germany played at the last FIFA World Cup, along with the result of the final. He developed a cult following in the process.

Sadly, Paul died several months after the tournament, which means we’ll have to find another animal with predictive powers for the World Cup in Brazil.

Paul swims past a replica of the World Cup trophy in his aquarium.

With a week left before kick-off, China has put forward its unofficial nominee to succeed Paul, the Wall Street Journal reports. According to China’s state media, the Chengdu Research Base in Sichuan province has “invited” a panda cub to predict matches during the World Cup.

MORE: Paul the Octopus breaks German hearts

Apparently, the panda will either climb trees carrying the flags of different teams or choose between two pieces of food, much like Paul the Octopus once did.

A baby panda at the Chengdu Research Base. Is THIS panda the next Paul?

Paul used to pick food from boxes which had been marked with the flags of the competing nations.

This unnamed panda is not the first allegedly psychic animal who has tried to seize Paul the Octopus’s mantle. As the Journal points out, an elephant called Citta was chosen as the official oracle of Euro 2012.

Citta, a resident of Krakow Zoo in Poland, stubbornly and repeatedly backed her home nation, even though it failed to win a game. That destroyed her credibility.

Elephant 'Citta' from the Krakow zoo.

Here are a few of the other animals who once tried to emulate Paul the Octopus. We are not sure where the mystery panda will rank among them.

Funtik the pig also went after Euro 2012.

Sonny Wool the sheep tore into the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Harry the crocodile was also active during the 2010 World Cup. He picked Spain as the winner, too.

And Heidi the cross-eyed possum tried to pick some winners for the Oscars.