People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is proposing that the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil should retire from his job of predicting the weather and be replaced by a “weather reveal” cake.

The well-known animal rights organization PETA has announced an enticing proposal to Tom Dunkel, who is the president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

In a correspondence to Dunkel, PETA offered to deliver a vegan cake to Phil’s home in Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, every Groundhog Day indefinitely, provided he agrees to let Phil and his family enjoy the rest of their lives at a proper sanctuary.

The “weather dessert” cake would act as a twist on the traditional gender reveal cake: if the cake reveals blue on the inside, it would indicate six more weeks of winter, while a pink filling would signify an early spring.

“PETA believes that when allowed to live naturally, groundhogs stay away from human contact, create elaborate underground burrow systems, and engage with each other. Unfortunately, Phil is deprived of these experiences for a tired old stunt,” stated PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “We urge The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to add some joy to Phil’s life by retiring him and giving Groundhog Day a much-needed cake-themed update.”

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club has not yet responded to YSL News’s inquiry regarding this matter on Tuesday afternoon. You can read PETA’s letter to the club here.

PETA has suggested similar ideas in earlier years

Last year, PETA proposed replacing the groundhog with a large gold coin, and in 2022, they recommended using persimmon seeds for weather predictions, according to KTLA5.

While it seems unlikely that Gobbler’s Knob will embrace any of PETA’s suggestions soon, the organization aims to spotlight what it sees as animal welfare issues.

“Phil is taken to Gobbler’s Knob, presented on stage amidst a loud crowd, bright lights, and an overzealous announcer—all against his natural instincts,” Newkirk stated in her letter to Dunkel. “If he were in his natural surroundings, he would flee in fear, not choose a life of captivity where he cannot hibernate or burrow—just so he can be a town’s annual faux meteorologist.

She added, “We understand that the locals and tourists who truly care for Phil want him to be able to live his life naturally.”

All about Punxsutawney Phil

Punxsutawney Phil, a cherished groundhog, has been delivering weather predictions in “Groundhogese” since 1886, as recorded by the club.

The current Groundhog Day practices, particularly Phil’s highly awaited weather forecast, started the following year.

Phil is also celebrated with titles like the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Weather Predictor Extraordinaire, Br’er Groundhog, and National Treasure. When he’s not forecasting the weather, he enjoys time at home with his wife, Phyliss.

Moreover, his fame skyrocketed after being featured in the beloved 1993 film “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, which took place in Gobbler’s Knob.

Understanding Groundhog Day and when it occurs

Groundhog Day is observed on Monday, Feb. 2, this year.

Many people travel from afar to Gobbler’s Knob to see Phil’s prediction. The celebration spreads over several days leading up to Monday morning, when Phil typically shares his forecast.

As noted by the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the holiday has its roots in an ancient Pagan and Christian celebration known as St. Brigid’s Day.

This tradition was brought to the U.S. by German settlers, who originally used a hedgehog; however, as hedgehogs were scarce, they switched to relying on the groundhog, another animal known for hibernating.

Contributing: Julia Gomez