A Canadian wildlife center is mourning the loss of its weather forecasting groundhog, who passed just before Groundhog Day on Feb. 2.
"We are in complete shock and sadness, with tears coming down our face," the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba, wrote in a Facebook post announcing Winnipeg Willow's death on Jan. 30. "She had her moments, especially around Feb. 2, where she could get a bit grumpy, but otherwise loved to go out."
Willow started living at the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in 2010 after her mother was killed by a dog. Employees intended to release her back into the wild but she broke her leg and, while healing, ended up spending too much time with humans to make it in the wilderness, according to the wildlife center.
“She was adopted into our educational program and visited many schools and students,” the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Center said. “She loved kale, green leafy lettuce, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, snap peas and, of course, peanuts.”
Groundhogs typically live between four and six years.
“We loved trying to predict the upcoming forecast and I think we only got one season right,” the wildlife center said. “We miss you already Willow, and have fun running through the meadows.”
