6 More Weeks Of Winter? Thoughtful-Looking Groundhog Will Say

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI -- Gordy, the Milwaukee Zoo's 10-month-old groundhog, will be making his first weather prediction on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2.

According to tradition, if it’s a sunny day and Gordy sees his shadow, he’ll return to his burrow for six more weeks of winter, but if he does not see a shadow…expect an early spring!

Also on Feb. 2, the Zoo hosts Family Free Day. All Zoo visitors receive free admission; the parking and regular concessions and attractions fees apply.

The celebration includes a free raffle in which visitors can guess Gordy’s weight. The winning guess will receive a groundhog-themed headband, slippers and groundhog plush toy.

Excited fans can also prepare for the big day by downloading the “Gordy the Groundhog Coloring Sheet” from the Zoo’s website. Color the sheet, bring it to the Zoo on Groundhog Day, and you’ll be entered to win a special Groundhog Prize Package! Visit www.milwaukeezoo.org.

Gordy arrived at the Zoo last May, and in September, made his first public appearance as part of the Animal Encounter talks in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm.

Gordy was born in Indiana, and hand-raised. The fact he was hand-reared makes it easier for zookeepers to train him for keeper talks and possible interactions with visitors. Keepers comment Gordy has a “goofy and friendly personality,” traits the animal staff hoped for when he was acquired by the Zoo.

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are one of the largest members of the ground
squirrel family. They’re good swimmers and can climb trees. In the wild, they eat grasses, plants, fruits and tree bark. In warm seasons, a groundhog can eat more than one pound of vegetation in one feeding.
On Saturday, February 2, visitors are invited to celebrate Groundhog Day at the
Milwaukee County Zoo and watch as Gordy makes his furry forecast debut. Activities
take place at 10:30 a.m., in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm, as Gordy ventures
from his burrow.

Submitted Photo, Published With Permission