Overview
- PETA sent club president Tom Dunkel a letter offering a state-of-the-art 3-D groundhog projection at Gobbler’s Knob if Phil and his family are moved to a reputable sanctuary.
- Ingrid Newkirk urged organizers to adopt a hologram that delivers vocal weather predictions so the real animal can hibernate in peace.
- The group argues Phil’s year-round enclosure is too small and says groundhogs avoid humans and are stressed by loud crowds and handling.
- PETA is also offering free Empathy Kits and says a hologram would still draw visitors and revenue for the town.
- The push follows earlier proposals that swapped a live groundhog for alternatives such as a giant gold coin in 2024 and vegan Weather Reveal cakes in 2025, with this year’s event set for February 2.