Museum groundhog Sir Walter Wally makes official weather prediction Thursday, Feb. 2

For immediate release ‐ January 25, 2017

Contact: Emelia Cowans, 919.707.9837. Images available upon request

Sir Walter Wally the groundhog

Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane returns as “Groundhog Whisperer” to mark Museum’s 20th annual Groundhog Day celebration

RALEIGH, N.C. – This year’s weather got off to an unusual start in North Carolina, with temperatures in the capital city ranging from an icy 9°F to a balmy 76°F in the same week. But now it’s Sir Walter Wally’s time to weigh in on how much longer we’ll have to keep our coats in close proximity. The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences’ 20th annual Groundhog Day celebration takes place Thursday, February 2 on Bicentennial Plaza in front of the Museum. The day’s activities kick off at 9 a.m. and run through 1 p.m. The shadow ceremony, where Wally makes his prediction, begins promptly at noon. According to legend, if he sees his shadow, we’re in for six more weeks of winter.

Whether you call him a groundhog, a woodchuck or a “whistle pig,” one thing you can’t call Sir Walter Wally is inconsistent. Regularly listed among the Weather Channel’s “Top 11 Groundhogs to Watch,” Wally came in at #7 in 2016 and he continues to gain national attention for his accuracy. Since 1998, Wally has been right 58 percent of the time, while his cousin to the north of us, Punxsutawney Phil, has been only 37 percent accurate.

The Museum is pleased to welcome Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane back as our official “Groundhog Whisperer,” who will join former Museum educator John Connors, outfitted in top hat and tails, to assist Wally with the forecast. Immediately following the ceremony, Wally and Connors will be available for photos. After his prediction and day in the spotlight, Wally heads back to the mountains to his home at Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary/Thistle Dew.

Beginning at 9 a.m. visitors can also take advantage of educational stations like “Snakes in Winter,” “Signs of Spring,” the “History of Groundhog Day” and more, as well as fun games and activities including a make-your-own Groundhog Hat station (1st floor). For kids six and under there will be a special Storytime called “Animals in Winter” at 10:30 a.m. and Meet the Animals at 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. in Windows on the World (3rd floor).

For more information about Groundhog Day, contact Bradley Allf at Bradley.Allf@naturalsciences.org or 919.707.9890. The shadow ceremony will be held in the Museum’s WRAL 3D Theater in case of inclement weather.


The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (11 W. Jones St. and 121 W. Jones St.) in downtown Raleigh, is the state’s most visited cultural attraction. It is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world, drawing them into the intriguing fields of study that are critical to the future of North Carolina. Hours: Mon.- Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., noon-5 p.m. Admission is free, however donations are appreciated and accepted. Visit the Museum on the Web at www.naturalsciences.org. Emlyn Koster, PhD, Director; Susi H. Hamilton, Secretary, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; Roy Cooper, Governor.

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