A Goat Named Brady, A Goat Named Foles? Philly, Boston Zoos Wager

With Super Bowl week drawing to its hotly anticipated zenith, dozens of wagers are now out there between Philadelphia and New England institutions. Wagers between governors, wagers between bakeries, wagers between YMCAs, wagers between every entity you can imagine that typically isn't in the business of placing public wagers. Most of them involve shipping goods from Boston to Philly or vice versa, and most of them are good enough to involve a kick-back to a charity of the winner's choice, as well.

A bet between several zoos in both regions is involving something a little different, however. And something a little more permanent.

If the Eagles win the Super Bowl on Sunday, Franklin Park Zoo in Boston will name their next born goat "Foles." And if the Patriots win, the Philadelphia Zoo will name their next born goat "Brady."

Franklin Park Zoo initiated the bet earlier this week.

"Everyone in New England knows that Tom Brady is the GOAT – Greatest of All Time – and if we win the game on Sunday, we want to make it interesting," they said in a Facebook past.

Furthermore, for the meat of the original bet, it's the CEOs of several Philly and Boston zoos that are on the hook. And if their team loses, they have to clean out an animal exhibit themselves, wearing a jersey of the opposite team.

Altogether, six zoos are participating in that wager: Elmwood, Philadelphia Zoo, and Lehigh Valley Zoo, along with Patriots-country's Zoo New England, Beardsley Zoo (CT), and Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Losing team zoos will also donate to conservation and education programs chosen by the winning zoos.

"This wager shines a light on AZA institutions and their focus on conservation and education as well as providing exceptional animal care, memorable guest experiences and efforts to save wildlife," Vikram H. Dewan, Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO, said in a statement.

Thus far, when it comes to animal-oriented Super Bowl picks, the Eagles have the advantage. The Cincinnati Zoo's Nile hippo, Fiona, predicted the Birds to win on Thursday.

The Eagles face off against the Patriots in the Super Bowl at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Patch is a network of more than 1,200 hyperlocal news sites across the country. Boston-area and Philadelphia-area Patches are sharing content in the lead-up to Super Bowl LII. Want to get in on the conversation? Sign up and fire away.

Photo via Agnes Scott Sustainablity