PETA is once again trying to retire Punxsutawney Phil ahead of Groundhog Day on Feb. 2.
Per legend, if the groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, it will return to its den, forecasting six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog does not see its shadow, it's assumed spring will come early. Last year, the rodent saw its shadow, predicting a longer winter.
However, the nonprofit has repeatedly tried to sway Pennsylvania officials from using a live animal for the tradition. Last year, PETA offered to replace the rodent with a vegan “weather reveal” cake, a proposal officials declined.
This year, PETA wants to switch out Punxsutawney Phil in exchange for a massive, state-of-the-art, 3D projection of a groundhog — complete with vocal weather predictions — if the animal and his family are able to retire to a reputable sanctuary, a PETA news release states.
“Every year, this terrified little animal is subjected to loud announcers and noisy crowds and held up and waved around without any regard for his feelings, welfare, or instincts,” PETA wrote in this year’s letter to Tom Dunkel, the president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
