Utah Komodo dragon gives Super Bowl prediction

Feb 6, 2024, 12:15 PM

Raja, a Komodo dragon sits next to papier-mache footballs decorated with the San Francisco 49ers an...

Raja, a Komodo dragon residing at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, presented his Super Bowl prediction on Monday. (Screenshot from a video provided by Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

(Screenshot from a video provided by Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

BY MARIAH MAYNES

Reporter

DRAPER, Utah — Raja, a two-year-old Komodo dragon at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, gave his Super Bowl prediction on Monday.

Aquarium keepers placed two papier-mâché footballs in the lizard’s habitat according to a press release. Each was decorated with the logo belonging to a team that will play: the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.

Inside, the same treat, frozen mice, awaited Raja.

Per the press release, excitement filled the Ford Expedition Asia Gallery as spectators awaited the Komodo dragon’s prediction.

Raja ultimately chose to eat from the football bearing the logo of the San Francisco 49ers.

Super Bowl prediction tradition

“Super Bowl picks at the Aquarium are a fun tradition that not only provide unique enrichment activities for our animals but also opportunities for our guests to connect and explore, discover, and learn about various species and ecosystems on our living planet,” said Karnel Harper, the Director of Marketing and PR for the aquarium.

In 2020, Takoda, a Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth at the aquarium, gave his Super Bowl prediction. Feasting on fruits and vegetables, Takoda predicted that the Kansas City Chiefs would win. 2020 was the first time the Chiefs took on the 49ers.

Takoda, a sloth residing at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, presented his prediction in 2020. (Screenshot from a video provided by Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

The sloth’s prediction was correct. The Chiefs won that year’s game.

Only time will tell if Raja’s prediction is right.

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

With Lake Powell's water levels increasing all year, it's hard to believe that they may be in dange...

Eric Cabrera

Lake Powell accident leads to 11 surgeries and uncertain recovery for 14-year-old Utah girl

What began as the final evening of a family vacation at Lake Powell turned into weeks in the hospital, 11 surgeries and an uncertain recovery for 14-year-old Grey Clissold.

25 minutes ago

A firefighter works to protect a structure near the Babylon Fire in San Juan County on June 27. U.S...

Carter Williams, KSL

Forest Service determines what sparked Utah’s largest fire so far this year

On Tuesday the US Forest Service said the Babylon Fire within the Manti-La Sal National Forest was caused by lightning on June 25; however, smoke wasn't noticed until a day later.

2 hours ago

The House of Representatives passed a bill to permanently adopt Daylight Saving Time nationwide. Je...

Joe R. Wirthlin Jr, KSL

Potential Daylight Saving Time change would impact American Jewish community

U.S. lawmakers passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, which may affect Jewish observances, as the clocks do not follow the path of the sun.

3 hours ago

Simone Seikaly

Inside the operations of search and rescue in Utah

KSL Brightside hosts Alex and Ethan are streaming their program live from the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office where they'll discuss search and rescue efforts.

3 hours ago

Image of SR 153 after flooding and debris flow caused UDOT to close the road through Beaver Canyon ...

Clayre Scott

UDOT closes state Route 153 between Beaver, Piute County

State Route 153 is closed indefinitely between Beaver and Piute County after UDOT said flash flooding and debris flows damaged the surface.

3 hours ago

The Draper Eastridge Stake float and other Pioneer Day Parade floats during a preview at the Mounta...

KSL Staff

Your guide to Pioneer Day activities, fireworks in Utah

Utah's Pioneer Day holiday celebrates the arrival of the first group of pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Cities across Utah are celebrating with unique events to mark the holiday.

4 hours ago

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hopping in the car with your favorite snacks in tow and heading out for a […]

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Utah’s mental health crisis is leaving many residents caught in an uncomfortable middle ground: struggling too much for weekly therapy alone, but unable to step away from work, parenting or daily life for inpatient treatment. As demand […]

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, managing side effects and wondering if this is simply how life is going to feel. According to the World Health Organization, depression affects […]

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

Utah Komodo dragon gives Super Bowl prediction

Super Bowl prediction tradition

We want to hear from you.

Utah

Sponsored Articles