On Friday, Feb. 2, Milwaukee County Zoo’s Humboldt penguins will be taking over the duties for the annual Groundhog Day weather prediction.
The Zoo’s most recent groundhog, Gordy, passed away in 2023; the Zoo’s animal care staff is in the process of acquiring another groundhog to add to the population.
The ceremony will be hosted by County Executive David Crowley and Zoo Director Amos Morris and take place at the Taylor Family Humboldt Penguin habitat at 9 a.m. (before the Zoo opens to the public). The Humboldt penguins will waddle into the spotlight to make the winter (or spring!) weather forecast. Afterward, the Zoo will announce the weather prediction for the public on its social media platforms and on its website.
According to (the new) tradition, if the penguin sees its shadow, six more weeks of winter are to be expected. If the penguin doesn’t see his shadow, we can look forward an early spring!
Humboldt penguins live along the shores of Peru and Chile in South America. Named for a chilly water current that flows through their coastal range, these birds are excellent swimmers. Their torpedo-shaped bodies can propel through the water at speeds of 30 miles an hour.
For more information on Groundhog Day – penguin-style, please contact the Zoo’s Marketing and Communications Department at (414) 256-5466.