Additional Coverage:
- Pennsylvania Gov. nixes PETA’s proposal to retire Punxsutawney Phil for Groundhog Day 2025 (newsbreak.com)
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has rejected PETA’s latest proposal for Punxsutawney Phil. The animal rights group suggested replacing the famous groundhog with a vegan cake to predict the weather.
PETA envisioned a “weather reveal” cake, similar to a gender reveal cake. Blue inside would mean six more weeks of winter, while pink would signal an early spring. They also offered to let Phil retire to a sanctuary.
Governor Shapiro responded to the proposal with a defiant “Come and take it.”
This isn’t PETA’s first attempt to retire Phil. They’ve previously suggested replacing him with a giant gold coin and persimmon seeds.
While PETA’s suggestions are unlikely to be adopted, the group continues to advocate for what they consider better treatment of animals. They argue that Phil should be allowed to live naturally.
PETA President Ingrid Newkirk even offered a final alternative: a large thermometer with the message, “If it’s still cold, it’s still winter.” She called the current Groundhog Day tradition a “tired old spectacle.”