Milwaukee County Zoo Gordy the groundhog doesn't see his shadow. That means an early spring for Milwaukee.
Amy SchwabeGordy, the Milwaukee County Zoo's resident groundhog, did not see his shadow Wednesday morning, predicting an early spring for Milwaukee.
The legend goes that if the day is sunny and the groundhog sees its shadow, it will return to its burrow for six more weeks of winter. No shadow means an early spring.
Gordy is in his fourth year predicting spring's arrival. He was born in Indiana before coming to Milwaukee as a baby, and is described by his keepers as having a "goofy and friendly personality."
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Just like last year, the pandemic caused the zoo's annual Groundhog Day celebration to be virtual, with Gordy's shadow-searching taking place before the zoo opened for business.
In years past, the zoo has hosted a big Groundhog Day event, with presentations by school groups, at the Family Farm. This year, families were invited to watch the big moment live on the zoo's Facebook page, hosted by zoo favorite Zookeeper Joe with special guest Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Kids could also download Gordy coloring sheets and play Groundhog Bingo.
Contact Amy Schwabe at (262) 875-9488 or amy.schwabe@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @WisFamilyJS, Instagram at @wisfamilyjs or Facebook at WisconsinFamily.