Watch Live as Gordy Groundhog Predicts the Weather

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: January 26, 2021 8:59 am

Gordy the groundhog prepares for his big day at the Milwaukee County Zoo

Photo Credit: Milwaukee County Zoo

Gordy the groundhog from the Milwaukee County Zoo is preparing for his big day on February 2nd when he will take part in a unique groundhog day ceremony.

This year, to ensure a safe event Gordy will make his predictions on a livestream on Facebook at 9am before the zoo opens. You can tune in to the Facebook stream here – Facebook | Milwaukee County Zoo

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“Zookeeper Joe” will host the festivities from the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm. If Gordy sees his shadow tradition dictates that he will return to his burrow for six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow though everyone can prepare for an early spring.

To prepare for the celebrations you can download a groundhog coloring sheet and make your prediction on whether there will be six more weeks of winter or an early spring.

Another activity you can participate in during the stream is Groundhog Bingo. Follow along during the stream and mark off words as Zookeeper Joe says them. If you get bingo you can submit your card to the zoo and a winner will be chosen at random to win groundhog-themed goodies.

Gordy the groundhog prepares for his big day at the Milwaukee County Zoo

Photo Credit: Milwaukee County Zoo

Gordy was born in Indiana and hand-reared. The now almost three year old groundhog is easy to train as he was hand-reared. Keepers comment Gordy has a “goofy and friendly personality,” traits the animal staff hoped for when he was acquired by the Zoo.

Groundhogs are otherwise known as woodchucks. They are the largest member of the ground squirrel family. While they may not look it they are good swimmers and can climb trees.