'A silly, friendly, goofy guy:' Gordy the Groundhog prepares for Milwaukee County Zoo debut



MILWAUKEE -- Extreme cold has left many of us hoping that warmer temperatures are near -- so what is Milwaukee County Zoo's groundhog up to before his big day?

"Come on!" said Bridget Carpenter, Family Farm zookeeper. "I see you! Come here!"

It's not easy waking up when it's this cold. Burrowed in his den -- stuffed with newspapers and phone book pages -- Gordy is just one day away from his first-ever Groundhog Day.

"There's only about enough room for his little body to fit in," said Carpenter. "The rest is packed solid."

"Our keepers have worked tirelessly to train him to be ready for the day, to be not as sensitive to people anymore," said Jennifer Diliberti, Milwaukee County Zoo public relations coordinator. "They're very confident he'll make a smashing debut."



Bridget Carpenter



At 10 months old, he's more than doubled in size since arriving at the zoo nine months ago.

"Oh my gosh, he's such a silly, friendly, goofy guy," said Carpenter. "We formula-fed him for several weeks of his life."

After warming up to the camera, Gordy showed off his ability to steal the spotlight.

"On Saturday, Feb. 2, we invite everyone out to see our new groundhog," said Diliberti.

Jennifer Diliberti



Following a week that would make anyone want to hibernate, it's up to Gordy to decide our fate.

"We'll see what he predicts, but hopefully he'll be right on with an early spring," said Diliberti. "We're hoping, I guess, for a cloudy day."

"We're all hoping that after shedding a few layers, it'll be an early spring," said Carpenter.

Gordy will make his prediction Saturday, Feb. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Family Farm. It's also Family Free Day, sponsored by FOX6 -- meaning zoo admission is free for all! You can find all the information HERE.