Groundhog Day has been celebrated for 130 years as groundhog Punxsutawney Phil each year predicts the end of winter. The date of Phil's prognostication has been celebrated since 1886 and this month A GROUNDHOG DAY STORY will take Animal Planet viewers on a journey to reveal the history and legend of Phil and those who protect him throughout the year. A GROUNDHOG DAY STORY premieres on Groundhog Day, Thursday, Feb. 2 at 10PM. And at 11PM, again at 12AM, at 1AM, at 2AM... it's Groundhog Day!
The legend surrounding Phil - if he sees his shadow and returns to his hole he has forecasted six more weeks of winter, if he does not see his shadow then his prediction is an early spring - has become an American tradition. A GROUNDHOG DAY STORY provides a first ever comprehensive look at the history and legend of Groundhog Day, its impact on the town of Punxsutawney, PA, and a look into the spirited group of volunteers responsible for all of it: The Inner Circle, who protect Phil throughout the year and plan the annual celebration in Punxsutawney. The special also shares illuminating details about Phil himself, such as where he lives, what he eats, how he travels, what aggravates him and wife who is his companion. "As Groundhog Day is the only national holiday dedicated to an animal, we at Animal Planet are proud to give Punxsutawney Phil and the Inner Circle a television home," said Patrice Andrews, General Manager of Animal Planet.Videos