PETA is proposing to replace Punxsutawney Phil with a high-tech hologram for Groundhog Day if he and his family can retire to an animal sanctuary.
In a letter addressed to Punxsutawney Groundhog Club President Tom Dunkel, the animal rights organization urges Phil’s retirement over concerns for his welfare, while offering to swap the furry marmot for “a massive, state-of-the-art, 3-D projection of a groundhog — complete with vocal weather predictions — to light up the stage at Gobbler’s Knob each year.”
“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,” says PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk. “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.”
The organization notes that Phil’s year-round enclosure in the western Pennsylvania town is too small for the rodent to burrow, explore and hibernate properly. What’s more, groundhogs are naturally timid creatures who “actively avoid humans,” PETA says.
“They dislike human smells, fear loud noises, abhor gatherings and prefer to stay in their burrows,” the letter reads. “Yet 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 believes that retiring Phil and replacing him with a hologram would not only benefit the groundhog, but would “captivate” the audience that gathers each year on Feb. 2 to learn Phil’s weather prediction.
“Let’s face it: Phil looks better standing tall and composed in light beams than squirming in a handler’s hands in captivity,” the letter adds.
Last year, the organization offered Punxsutawney perpetual vegan “Weather Reveal” cakes in exchange for Phil being moved to a reputable sanctuary. A giant gold coin to be used for a 50-50 toss was offered up in 2024. This year’s high-tech hologram appears to present a raising of the stakes.
Groundhog Day is a tradition in both the United States and Canada where a groundhog comes out of its burrow and — usually inaccurately, especially in Phil’s case — predicts when winter will end. If he sees his shadow and returns to his hole, he has forecast six more weeks of winter-like weather. If he doesn’t see his shadow, he’s predicted an early spring.
While many events are held to celebrate Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney’s festival is by far the most famous. The annual reveal in typically draws thousands of spectators.
