Milwaukee County Zoo's Gordy the Groundhog died on March 3

Milwaukee County Zoo's resident groundhog, Gordy, who has been making the city's Groundhog Day predictions for the past few years, was humanely euthanized on March 3.

Gordy, who had just made his springtime prediction on Feb. 2, would have turned 5 in April.

In an announcement, the zoo said that Gordy had been acting lethargic and wasn't interested in eating. Zoo medical staff found that there was fluid around Gordy's lungs and determined that it was likely the result of a cancerous tumor that ruptured.

After removing some of the fluid to attempt to make him more comfortable, the groundhog's health continued to decline, and the decision was made to euthanize him. A necropsy (animal autopsy) is planned.

Gordy was born in Indiana and brought to Milwaukee as a baby. He was described by his keepers as having a "goofy and friendly personality."

According to the zoo's statement, "All animal losses are difficult for Zoo staff who care for them; however, this is a significant loss for the Farm’s animal care team, as they worked very closely with Gordy from the time he first arrived."