The animal rights organization is again asking the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to let its furry forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil, live life in the wild like a regular groundhog.
Over the past few years, the animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called for the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to replace its internationally-known furry forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil, citing what they believe to be the exploitation of the groundhog for the sake of entertainment, and claiming that Phil doesn’t get to enjoy a life in the wild like a groundhog should.
They’ve proposed replacing Phil with a vegan weather reveal cake, and a giant gold coin toss for the annual weather prediction that thousands flock to the western Pa. town of Punxsutawney to witness in person.
This year, they’re calling for Phil to be replaced with a hologram.
“Pixelated popstars are headlining concerts and long departed celebrities are attending conventions, so why not put that technology to good use: on a hologram that lets the real Phil hibernate in peace,” PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk said in a press release. “PETA is urging the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to chuck its tired tradition of harassing a shy animal and give Gobbler’s Knob a glow-up with a phantom prognosticator.”
PETA noted in its press release that when afforded the opportunity, naturally shy groundhogs avoid humans and enjoy burrowing, exploring, and hibernating—all of which are impossible in the small enclosure Phil is kept in year-round.
There’s been no response yet from the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. However, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has weighed in, posting a “Don’t Trade on Me” flag with Phil’s image to X.
