MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ)- Milwaukee County Zoo will have a different star to take on the responsibilities of the Groundhog’s Day. This year’s prognostication will be done by the zoo’s Polar Bear, Snow Lilly.
This last year, Wynter, the zoo’s groundhog passed away, after being part of the zoo’s annual event since 2009. The passing lead zoo administration forced to find a quick replacement.
“We had to start brainstorming about what we would do to replace her” Public Relations Coordinator Jennifer Diliberti said. “Groundhog Day originated in Europe, and when they were unable to get a groundhog or a badger, they would use a bear.”
Diliberti said all of their bear candidates excpet Snow Lilly are hibernating.
“Really there was no option for us. We do have a badger, but he hibernates as well, so Snow Lilly is it, and it is a perfect fit.”
Lilly will be given the royal treatment to help her do her job.
“Lilly will be summoned with her favorite treat of fish and peanut butter to start her day.”
As legend goes, if Lilly sees her shadow, she will return to her den for six more weeks of winter, but no shadow means early spring.
Along with a different animal trying her paw at predicting when we will see Spring, this year the Milwaukee County Zoo will offer educational lessons on Polar Bears and family fun on Groundhogs Day.
“We have never had activities to go along with Groundhog’s Day.”
The celebration includes a free raffle for visitors to cast their votes to guess Snow Lilly’s weight. Several winners will be chosen, and will receive sought-after polar bear-themed accessories!
After Lilly’s prediction, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., polar bear activities will take place inside Lakeview Restaurant. Touch and see polar bear artifacts like a pelt and radio collar; show your creative side and make a polar bear craft to take home, learn more about climate change affecting wild polar bears and what you can do to help conserve them. Purchase polar bear cookies and hot chocolate to benefit the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers’ (AAZK) “Trees for You and Me” program.
Diliberti says they hope to find a new groundhog for next year, but that is a detailed and lengthily process.
