06/18/2026
Today, we have Lacey (Genet) for Portugal vs our Bongo boys for the D.R. Congo. Then Abeni (Serval) for Ghana vs Lumpy (two toed sloth) for Panama. And Peanut (Blue and gold Macaw) will be rooting for Brazil.
But let’s talk a little bit more about Lacey. Why is she supporting Portugal when Genets are naturally from Africa? Well, there are now healthy, established colonies of genets around much of southern Europe. Originally thought to be brought over in the hopes to domestic them as rodent hunters, they began to make themselves at home, just not inside our homes. BUT, they are not an invasive species, as they are not damaging to the local ecosystems. In fact, the have been quite beneficial by regulating small prey populations and helping with seed dispersal. So instead of being qualified as invasive, they are considered naturalized. Portugal welcomes these once African immigrants as one of their own now, and she is happy to support her new home team.
