Despite the cold, the 2026 Staten Island Zoo Groundhog Day ceremony went as planned to see whether the city’s most famous meteorologist, Groundhog Chuck, would see his shadow.
With the annual event moved inside a large tent to keep spectators at least a little warm on Feb. 2, anticipation hung in the air. After a countdown from 10, Chuck emerged from his cozy, man-made burrow, only to deliver the news that the freezing crowd did not want to hear: six more weeks of winter.
Chuck, being a bit camera-shy, looked around his habitat for about two minutes and saw his shadow before human dignitaries announced the news that winter is here to stay, at least for a little while.
The crowd booed.
“We’ll get through it together,” the soiree’s host, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said, reassuring the crowd. “Spring is on its way.”
The groundhog (Marmota monax) saw the disappointed human faces, but seemed unfazed by the results of his forecasting responsibility and went back to bed. Zookeepers likely gave him some extra snacks later on for his hard work.
Chuck’s favorite treat is sweet potato, which is part of his delicious and nutritious dietary plan at the zoo.
This year’s prediction has Staten Island Chuck in agreement with rival rodent Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania, who also announced a longer winter on Tuesday.
According to legend, if a groundhog does not see his shadow, spring will be early, but if he does see his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. Last year, Chuck predicted an early spring.
Also at the beloved event, which was sponsored by Citizens Bank, was the zoo’s executive director Ken Mitchell, and Staten Island politicians including Assembly Member Michael Tannousis, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and City Council Members Kamillah Hanks and Frank Morano, and Wagner High School students.
Morano said the event each year is not just a chance to check in on spring, but to spotlight the borough’s beloved hometown zoo.
“The great thing about this occasion every year is that it really shines a spotlight on one of NYC’s greatest gems, the Staten Island Zoo” he said. “This is something that the Staten Island City Council delegation is completely united in supporting.”
The council member aslo explained the importance of zoos and how they are supported by elected officials.
“Zoos like this don’t just happen,” Morano said. “They happen because of a lot of work and the significant investment that our council delegation has made to keep this zoo as great as it is. I’m proud to play a small part in that.”
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