Waldo the groundhog predicts an early spring
Once again, a groundhog has emerged as a hero with a promise of something to look forward to during a long Wisconsin winter. Who knew the whims of a willful woodchuck would bring a smile to so many? More than 200 children, teens and adults let out a resounding cheer when Wildlife In Need's resident groundhog, Waldo, failed to see his shadow during the Milwaukee Groundhog Club's annual celebration Feb. 2. According to Groundhog Day lore, that means spring is most certainly on it's way.
The Milwaukee Groundhog Club has been celebrating Groundhog Day for 102 years and was in danger of canceling its 100th anniversary festivities after the death of its former mascot, Walnut, from the Milwaukee County Zoo suddenly died. When the Wildlife In Need Center (WINC) in the Town of Ottawa found out about the club's woes, the wildlife rehabilitation center did what it does best. It came to the rescue, offering its resident groundhog as the star of the club's event.
Three years later, the Milwaukee Groundhog Club and WINC have joined forces at Elk Lodge 2301 in Waukesha to bring a little glimmer in the middle of winter. Dressed smartly in top hat and tux, Richard Perschon of Pewaukee has been a member of the club for 12 years and is "keeper of the burrow." That means the 74-year-old has the dignified honor of overseeing the ceremonies and formally announcing what the groundhog has predicted after emerging from its burrow.
"This day means so much to us," said Perschon. "Three years ago we didn't know what we were going to do when our mascot died. Wildlife In Need has been so gracious in helping us with their groundhog. We couldn't have this celebration without them."
This year volunteers from WINC brought along seven of its animal ambassadors and presented an educational program to a room full of guests, including students from Eagle and Ixonia elementary schools. "All of these animals are a gift to us. We need to show them respect, help build a better environment for them and be a little more kind to them," Leslie Kiehl, wildlife educator for WINC, told the crowd.
Caleb Flaten-Moore, 8, of Oconomowoc said he liked learning about the animals, especially endangered species. "Seeing the hawk was pretty cool. I really like her red tail and the way her beak is curved. We should treat wild animals just as good as we treat people," said Caleb. "Oh, and I'm also glad Waldo didn't see his shadow. I don't want any more winter."
Caleb's second-grade teacher, Rich Peters, said that Ixonia Elementary School has a fundraising contest every year to see which grade can raise the most money for WINC. "This event is a great opportunity for the kids to see the animals up close and learn about the importance of taking care of wildlife. We've also been learning about Groundhog Day, so it was fun to watch Waldo," said Peters.
More information abut the Wildlife In Need Center, volunteer opportunities and the center's education programs can be found at (262) 968-5075 or www.helpingwildlife.org.
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- Relay For Life of Lake Country Kickoff-Monday, February 13th
- Oconomowoc Newcomers & Neighbors Monthly Mingle Tues Feb. 14
- UW-Waukesha Continuing Education Classes Offered the week of February 12-18, 2012
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