• Paul Goes to the Octopus's Garden in the Sky

    Written by PETA

    July 09, 2010 - Oberhausen, Germany - epa02242619 Octopus Paul, soccer oracle of the aquarium 'Sea Life', predicts a victory for Spain in the FIFA 2010 World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain in his basin in Oberhausen, Germany, 09 July 2010. During the feeding, where he had to chose from two seashells, each contained in a plastic box with the Spanish and the Dutch flag on them, Paul picked Spain. The FIFA 2010 World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain takes place on July 11 at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    Paul, the octopus who correctly "predicted" the outcome of seven World Cup matches and the final, has been found dead in his tank in a German aquarium. PETA Germany has appealed to aquarium officials not to subject another intelligent and fascinating octopus to a life of confinement to a tank.

    In the sea where they belong, these willowy, winsome creatures form relationships with other octopuses and communicate through color change and their skin texture. They are curious and like to decorate their homes with trinkets such as bottle caps and shells ("an octopus's garden"). They are gentle and shy and try to avoid human contact.

    Please learn to appreciate and respect these fascinating and sensitive animals instead of crisp-frying their tentacles and making sauce out of the ink that they use as a natural defense. To honor Paul, order a free vegetarian/vegan starter kit today for yourself or a friend. And here's a fabulous faux-fish dish to get you started.

    Written by Jennifer O'Connor

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