The recently ended  2010 World Cup soccer championship in Johannesburg in South Africa will be remembered by soccer fans throughout the world as one of the most dramatic and sensational ones in the history of football.

Practically all the favourite teams were sent packing home early in the tournament, leaving their fans heartbroken. However, the excitement did not fizzle out till the last day of the championship when Spain managed to dash the hopes of the boys from the Land of the Windmills.
 
Spicing up the 2010 World Cup soccer excitement on the sidelines was an eight-legged soccer soothsayer - Octopus Oracle on the other of side of the European continent (Germany).The correct predictions of the outcome of the World Cup soccer matches on several occasions including the finals by this so called ‘psychic creature’ has captured the attention of the world.
 
Unfortunately this highly intelligent and complex animal may soon disappear from its original habitat. According to sources, there have been many orders placed to purchase these creatures alive.

I understand many in the pet shop business are now contemplating venturing into offering live octopuses for sale since there is a high demand for it. Word has been going around of late that by consuming this cephalopod mollusk, one may even attain its psychic powers!
 
Going by the interest shown by the people, I will not be surprised very soon when we will see this invertebrate creature in our local pet shops, aquariums in homes and also in the restaurants.

I understand many - especially punters - are prepared to pay a fortune to own a live octopus although they are known to be venomous. It is indeed sad to note that all the media attention on this creature has inadvertently exposed the creature to exploitation and danger.

I am afraid that if something is not done to counter this craze, the demise of this species can be sooner than expected.
 
I wonder why the international animal welfare organisations like Peta did not foresee the negative implications of the kind of  publicity the creature has been receiving worldwide.

Had only they (Peta) highlighted the negative implications of exploiting the innocent movements of an octopus by the owners in Germany, we could have avoided this grave predicament.

I appeal to all concerned parties especially the local and foreign animal welfare organisations, nature lovers, zoologists and biologists to take proactive measures to ensure that the 300-odd recognised octopus species do not end up been hunted down due to this ‘octopus craze’ that has now engulfed the world.