Groundhog Day 2025: Did Birmingham Jill predict an early spring? [PHOTOS + VIDEO]

Birmingham Jill meeting her adoring fans at the Birmingham Zoo. (Birmingham Zoo)

Birmingham Jill, a Virginia Opossum and the Birmingham Zoo’s master weather prognosticator did not see her shadow this Groundhog Day — so start planning for an early spring!

For the seventh year, Jill, the awesome possum, has stood in for the resident Birmingham Zoo groundhog — Birmingham Bill. 

Instead of waking up Bill, the Zoo asks Jill to take on his traditional duties. 

“She has yet to be wrong and has a better record than Punxsutawney Phil! Pack up your sweaters!

Bill Lang, Birmingham Zoo

About 150 Birmingham Jill fans visited the Birmingham Zoo to see her latest bold prediction. 

Who is right Birmingham Jill or Punxsutawney Phil?

By the way, Punxsutawney Phil did see his  shadow this morning, meaning six more weeks of winter, according to the famous groundhog.

With temps this week predicted to reach the 70s, it looks like Birmingham Jill is on track to be right again.

Who do you think made the correct forecast? Birmingham Jill or Punxsutawney Phil?

In the meantime, remember the Birmingham Zoo turns 70 this year. Make sure to follow them for events throughout the year celebrating their “Platinum Jubilee!”

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Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.