WORCESTER—While some dismiss it as silly and others find it downright ridiculous, the tradition of Groundhog Day persists as an annual event. The EcoTarium in Worcester provides the community with a unique way to celebrate this charming little rodent and its weather prediction.
The EcoTarium holds its Groundhog Day celebration on Friday, Feb. 2, starting at 11 a.m. with opening remarks and a proclamation reading by Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty.
“I think there is an element of nostalgia that people find heart-warming,” said Deb Shear, the EcoTarium’s chief advancement officer. “And in the case of Groundhog’s Day, there is also a sense of hope – which means different things to different people. Some of us are hoping that the groundhog will see his shadow, so we’ll be able to enjoy six more weeks of winter sports. But we know many, many others would prefer otherwise, for sure.”
And for the EcoTarium, Punxsutawney Phil has no say and no authority. Here in Worcester, Cornelia the groundhog decides the fate of our winter season. Cornelia’s called the EcoTarium home since September of 2021 after coming from a rehabber in Ohio. This is the EcoTarium’s second annual Groundhog Day event.
“She was rescued when young after being found sick with pneumonia,” said lead Zookeeper Deana Prest. “The rehabber nursed her back to health, but she was so young when rescued that she became imprinted – essentially she is not afraid of humans, dogs, and cats. Due to this, she was unable to live in the wild and deemed non-releasable. At six months old she traveled to MA to live at the EcoTarium for life. Since then she has lived in her habitat at the animal corner as an ambassador for her wild cousins, helping visitors to connect with wildlife. She spends her days foraging for food hidden by her keepers and basking in the sun from her sunroof.”
Activities continue following the proclamation with a chat at noon by the zookeeper of groundhog Cornelia’s habitat, and then an educational program at 2 p.m. about the animals of winter.
Tickets for the event get you in for the day.
Contact Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
