Groundhog Day: Milwaukee County Zoo goats to make prediction

Nigerian dwarf goats (Courtesy: Milwaukee County Zoo)

The Milwaukee County Zoo announced its Nigerian dwarf goats will have the honor of handling Groundhog Day weather prediction duties next month – continuing a new tradition, of sorts.

Goats to make prediction

What To Expect:

A ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2. The zoo said the ceremony is not open to the public and will take place before the zoo opens. 

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The goats will run out into their yard to make their winter – or early spring – prediction. After the ceremony, the zoo will announce the goats' prediction. According to the (new) tradition, if the goats see their shadows, Milwaukee can expect six more weeks of winter. If the goats don’t see their shadow, look forward to an early spring.  

Nigerian dwarf goats are native to West Africa and are known for their small stature. They can be seen up close and personal at the zoo from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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Why no groundhog?

The backstory:

The zoo's most recent groundhog, Gordy, passed away in 2023. That year, he saw his shadow – predicting six more weeks of winter. 

Last year, the zoo's Humboldt penguins took over duties and predicted an early spring. The penguins are currently nesting and still getting acclimated to their recently renovated Penguins of the Pacific Habitat, which opened in December 2024.

The Source: Information in this report is from the Milwaukee County Zoo.

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