Lioness Mira predicts Russia's interest rate at her zoo birthday bash

When a lioness picked 14% as Russia's interest rate, even bankers took notice. Her birthday party blended finance, fun, and a feeding frenzy for 700 zoo animals.

, and Administrator

2026 May 2 . 2:07 AM

1 min read

The image shows a poster advertising a zoo with a lion on it. The poster has text written on it,... — The image shows a poster advertising a zoo with a lion on it. The poster has text written on it, likely providing information about the zoo. The lion is depicted in the center of the poster, with its mane and tail flowing in the wind. Its eyes are wide and alert, and its mouth is slightly open, as if it is about to roar.

Lioness Mira predicts Russia's interest rate at her zoo birthday bash

A lioness named Mira has become an unlikely financial forecaster at Yekaterinburg Zoo. On her seventh birthday, she predicted Russia’s key interest rate as part of a playful event. The celebration, sponsored by Ural Bank for Reconstruction and Development (UBRD), drew attention from both visitors and economists alike. Mira’s birthday took place on April 18, with a special twist—she was asked to guess the country’s key interest rate. The lioness selected 14%, a figure that matched the expectations of UBRD’s own analysts. Bank president Alexey Dolgov noted that her prediction aligned closely with their forecasts.

The event was part of a broader celebration, where guests could sponsor animals and take part in activities like a live feeding session and a scavenger hunt. Over 70 creatures at the zoo, from big cats to tiny tree frogs, are currently under sponsorship. Mira’s own sponsorship, provided by UBRD, primarily funds her diet, which follows a carefully planned feeding schedule. Feeding the zoo’s residents is a complex task, involving around 700 custom menus and more than 400 daily rations. The birthday celebration also welcomed children from a local boarding school and a school for the hearing-impaired, adding a community touch to the occasion.

Mira’s playful prediction brought a lighthearted moment to financial discussions. The zoo’s sponsorship programme continues to support its animals, with UBRD’s contribution ensuring Mira’s dietary needs are met. The event highlighted both the zoo’s community engagement and its creative approach to public interest.