New Buckeye Chuck, ‘Murray,’ Makes Debut Feb. 2 at Cleveland Museum of Natural History

New Buckeye Chuck, ‘Murray,’ Makes Debut Feb. 2 at Cleveland Museum of Natural History

You’ve heard, of course, of Punxsutawney Phil. Now, meet the new Buckeye Chuck.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History will introduce the new Buckeye Chuck on Feb. 2, as Murray, the museum’s new groundhog ambassador, participates in Groundhog Day ceremonies to predict if there will be six more weeks of winter. If Murray does not see his shadow, he predicts an early spring. (No pressure, kid!)

Murray was found injured on an area roadside before arriving at the museum in June. He was nursed back to health, but museum staff determined he could not be released back into nature. Since then, he has been enjoying new enrichment items and learning to train for both educational programs and veterinary checkups. He resides in the museum’s Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden.

In preparation for his big public debut on Feb. 2, the Museum’s Wildlife staff will begin to introduce Murray to a “den” and platform so he can choose to participate in a hands-off weather prediction.

“Not only does Murray have a safe and nurturing new home, but our guests also have a chance to learn from him, so it’s a perfect pairing,” says Jim Nemet, Cleveland Museum of Natural History Director of Wildlife. “The goal of the Perkins Wildlife Center is to allow people to get up close and learn about Ohio Wildlife, and Murray’s addition helps out with that tremendously.”

The Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden is an immersive outdoor area located on the Museum’s University Circle campus. The center features native Ohio plants and wildlife and is home to rescued animals that are unable to return to the wild. This living collection provides Museum guests with the opportunity to experience Ohio wildlife in a unique educational setting. Access to the Perkins Wildlife Center is included in general admission.

 

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