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Groundhog’s Day, Milwaukee County Zoo
February 2, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 9:30 am
The Milwaukee County Zoo’s resident groundhog, Gordy, is set to take part in a unique Groundhog Day ceremony on Thursday, February 2. Follow along as the Milwaukee County Zoo’s resident groundhog, Gordy, makes his weather prediction during the popular Groundhog Day ceremony. The event will be livestreamed on the Milwaukee County Zoo’s Facebook page at 9 a.m. before the Zoo opens. Fans can play along from the warmth and comfort of their homes, enjoying the festivities virtually HERE.
The occasion will be hosted by County Executive David Crowley and Zoo Director Amos Morris and take place in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm. 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. If he doesn’t see his shadow, we can expect an early spring! Paws crossed for an early spring!
More about Gordy:
Gordy was born in Indiana and hand-raised. He’ll turn 5 years old on April 6 this year, and zookeepers comment that Gordy has a “goofy and friendly personality.” He’s become a favorite animal among Zoo visitors!
Zookeepers note that Gordy’s favorite enrichment item is paper, and he loves to shred paper bags and newspapers to make a nest. His favorite foods are bananas and raw broccoli, and he’ll occasionally get peanuts as a high reward during training.
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can be found from the eastern and central United States and northward across Canada and into Alaska. Here at the Zoo, Gordy goes into a semi-hibernation during the winter months. He usually rests from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then eats the afternoon portion of his
diet, sleeping again through the night until morning. Gordy doesn’t go into a true hibernation because he lives in a building with heat and the temperatures never get cold enough to signal his body to fully hibernate.
Groundhogs build intricate, deep burrow systems, with multiple “rooms” for different purposes, including sleeping, nursing, and even expelling waste. Once a groundhog has moved out, its burrow might be re-inhabited by a chipmunk, rabbit, or snake.
For more information on Groundhog Day, please call the Zoo at 414.771.3040.
Will Gordy see his shadow on Groundhog’s Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo?
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!
- Fans can download a Groundhog Coloring Sheet and choose if Gordy will predict either six more weeks of winter or an early spring.
- Visit the Zoo’s website to download and proudly display the artwork in a window to show support for Gordy.
- Download Groundhog Bingo from the Zoo’s website
- Listen closely during the festivities, marking off words as you hear the ceremony hosts say them.
- If you complete a bingo, submit your card to zoo.specialevents@milwaukeecountywi.gov.
- Several lucky winners will be chosen randomly to win groundhog-themed goodies!
About the Milwaukee Zoo:
Our objective is to promote an appreciation for all animals and to support conservation of their diverse habitats. We’ve grown significantly since our 1892 inception, but we maintain a strong commitment to our vision and mission.
Our Vision:
The Milwaukee County Zoo will be a zoo of renown with a reputation as a leader in animal management, conservation, research and education within a wholesome recreational environment enjoying the admiration of the citizens of Milwaukee County as well as all zoo guests and other zoos of the world.
Our Mission:
The Milwaukee County Zoo will inspire public understanding, support and participation in global conservation of animal species and their environment by creating a unifying bond between our visitors and the living earth and provide an environment for personal renewal and enjoyment for our guests by:
- Contributing to world wide animal management, conservation and research efforts
- Fostering sound physical, psychological and social development for the animal groups in our care
- Sharing our knowledge with the intent to reinforce the human-animal-earth bond
- Improving the quality of our professional development, administration and operating environment
- Striving for the financial self-sufficiency of the organization
- Continuing the public-private partnership with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee County
