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Zoo Miami's 'Bonsai' Predicts Racing Champion

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Having animals predict the outcome of sporting events is nothing new.

Paul the Octopus and Shaheen the Camel were world renowned World Cup predictors. Puppies, bunnies and even manatees have predicted the Super Bowl.

But whether waxy, furry, leathery or feathery there has never been an animal predict a racecar event in Miami; until now.

"Bonsai" the 5-month old binturong – also known as a bear cat – made his debut as Zoo Miami's official "Wildlife Prognosticator" on Veterans Day.

Bonsai was tasked with predicting the winner of the 2014 Sprint Cup Series Championship.

The animal oracle was presented with smaller model replicas of each of the four finalists' cars. Bonsai was able to choose from cars representing Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and Ryan Newman.

Bonsai made his choice rather quickly.

Drum roll please.

The soothsayer animal chose: Denny Hamlin.

Zoo Miami's Bonsai NASCAR Pick 2
Bonsai the binturong choose Denny Hamlin as the winner of the 2014 Sprint Cup Series Championship. (Source: Zoo Miami)

Those placing bets on the binturong can watch the winner crowned at the Ford EcoBoost 400 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, November 16th.

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