Drusillas Park’s Mystic Meerkats in Alfriston have returned with their predictions for the latest international tournament and forecast an England victory over DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
After correctly calling every England result during UEFA Euro 2024 right up until the final, the meerkats have become unlikely fan favourites for their football insights.
Jamie Fryer, deputy head keeper at Drusillas Park, said: “The meerkats have built up quite a reputation over the last few tournaments, so we thought it was only right to bring them back for the World Cup knockout stages. They certainly kept us guessing this time.
“One brave meerkat wandered over to the DR Congo bucket first and had us wondering whether an upset was on the cards, but the rest of the group had other ideas and made a beeline for England. In the end it wasn’t even close.
“If our meerkats are right, there could be an early scare for the fans before England settle down and book their place in the next round.”
The prediction ritual involves keepers placing two buckets in the meerkat enclosure—one for each team—filled with sweetcorn and peanuts.
The meerkats then choose between the buckets, and the one that attracts the most attention is declared their pick to win.
Though one meerkat briefly showed interest in the DR Congo bucket, the rest of the mob quickly piled onto the England side, settling any doubts about their prediction.
The Mystic Meerkats first rose to fame during the delayed 2021 Euros, and have since become a regular part of major tournament build-up.
Their predictions are not just for fun—they’re part of the zoo’s enrichment programme, designed to encourage natural problem-solving and foraging behaviour.
Fans will be hoping the meerkats’ streak continues when England face DR Congo on Wednesday.
Drusillas Park is open daily from 10am and is located just off the A27 in Alfriston.
For more information, call 01323 874100 or visit their website.
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
