Punxsutawney Phil could be out of a job this Groundhog Day.
At least if the folks at the far-Left animal activist group PETA have anything to say about it.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is calling for the end of the beloved American tradition – and to replace it with what it calls a “delicious” vegan substitution.
According to a press release published by the animal rights organization, PETA is seeking to replace the Groundhog Day tradition with a vegan “weather reveal” cake.
“PETA will deliver a delicious ‘Weather Reveal’ vegan cake each Groundhog Day in perpetuity if [the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club] agrees to let Punxsutawney Phil and his family retire to a reputable sanctuary, a move that will earn the outfit kudos from wildlife fans,” the press release stated.
PETA also published pun-filled letter to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, arguing that the groundhog’s annual duties were “no piece of cake” for him.
“Groundhogs are shy prey animals who, when allowed, actively avoid humans,” the letter detailed. “Yet, year after year, Phil is transported to Gobler’s Knob, whisked on stage, and subjected to a noisy announcer, screaming crowds, and flashing lights against all his natural instincts.”
“If approached in his natural habitat, he would run away in fear, not volunteer to live year-round in captivity, unable to do anything that’s natural and important to him like hibernate or burrow – just to be a town’s once-a-year fake meteorologist.”
In a statement, PETA president Ingrid Newkirk also called for Groundhog Day officials to “sprinkle some happiness” into Phil’s life by letting him retire.
“When allowed to be themselves, groundhogs avoid humans, create intricate networks of underground burrows, communicate with one another, and even climb trees, but poor Phil is denied all of that for a tired old gimmick,” Newkirk argued.
PETA told media outlets that it has not received a response from the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, and called for the organization to develop “kinder, innovative” traditions that make animals happy.
PETA Wants Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog Day Tradition To Be Replaced With Weather-Reveal Cake https://t.co/UkRhw6KOWY pic.twitter.com/IRwG9Twmpp
— Lieutenant Colonel Reagan (@bobbyr75) January 28, 2025