CONTACT:  Zoo Public Relations

WHAT:  The Oklahoma City Zoo's unconventional, yet traditional Groundhog Day celebration welcomes this year's weather ambassadors, grizzly bears Will and Wiley!

WHEN:  Monday, February 2 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:  The grizzly bear habitat, located inside Oklahoma Trails.

DETAILS:  They're back and ready to reveal the season's fate!  Join the Zoo as grizzly bear brothers Will and Wiley make the annual Groundhog Day weather prediction.  The Zoo's collection does not include groundhogs, so these mammoth meteorologists have agreed to step in to determine whether they can see their shadows.  The festivities kick-off with our weathermammals' prediction at 10:30 a.m.,  and then join us for free hot chocolate and doughnuts courtesy of Brown's Bakery (while supplies last).  The grizzly bears' prediction will be posted on the Zoo's web site following the festivities.

Did you know...

• Past Zoo prognosticators have included the Zoo's bison, pot-bellied pigs and a prairie dog!
• In Europe, a bear was originally used for the traditional event. However, as the number of bears began to diminish, a badger or groundhog was used in its place. This practice led to the development of the name Groundhog Day.
• In the United States, the legend of Groundhog Day is associated with Candlemas in England. According to an old English song:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas bring clouds and rain,
Go, Winter and come not again.

Editor's Note: Interested media should check in at the Guest Relations office when they arrive.

-okczoo-