Milwaukee Co. Zoo's Humboldt penguins to take over Groundhog Day duties

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee County Zoo says a new animal will be taking over the annual Groundhog Day weather prediction this year following the death of Gordy the groundhog in 2023. 

While staff works to acquire another groundhog to add to their population, the zoo's Humboldt penguins will take over Groundhog Day duties. 

The Feb. 2 ceremony, hosted by County Executive David Crowley and Zoo Director Amos Morris, will take place at the Taylor Family Humboldt Penguin habitat at 9 a.m., before the zoo opens. Afterwards, the zoo will announce the penguins' prediction for the public on social media. 

The zoo says if the penguin sees its shadow, six more weeks of winter are expected, and if the penguin doesn't see his shadow, we'll have an early spring.