| 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd ∙ Newport News, VA 23601 ∙ (757) 595-1900 |
| Newport News, VA (February 2, 2025) – Today at the Virginia Living Museum’s 15th “Not So” Groundhog Day celebration, Lux the Skunk, predicted an early spring for Virginia. The crowd was thrilled with this native Virginia species that acted as the honorary forecaster for the weather in Hampton Roads. “Our native wildlife never ceases to amaze us with their remarkable adaptations. While Chesapeake Chuck follows his natural instinct to hibernate, Lux demonstrates the incredible diversity of winter survival strategies,” says Deanna Orr/Ambassador Animal Manager. “By honoring these natural behaviors, we’re not just celebrating our animals – we’re showcasing the fascinating ways Virginia’s wildlife adapts and thrives throughout the seasons.” The Museum’s ambassador striped skunk made his debut prediction while the traditional forecaster, Chesapeake Chuck, remained in hibernation. During the ceremony, led by Meteorologist Jeremy Wheeler from WAVYTV 10, Lux was graced by such dignitaries as Mayor of Newport News, Phillip Jones, Virginia Living Museum Board President Sarah Messersmith, Board President-Elect Melvin J. Ferebee, and Executive Director Rebecca Kleinhample. The prediction came with a full day of interactive activities celebrating wildlife and weather folklore at the Virginia Living Museum. Other animal predictions on upcoming current events also took place through the day. The Museum’s white tail deer duo predicted the Philadelphia Eagles will win the Super Bowl and the turtles in Piedmont & Mountains Gallery predicted Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short N’ Sweet” will win the Grammy’s Record of the Year. The newest resident at the Museum, Danni the porcupine, predicted that the Oscar’s Best Picture will be awarded to “I’m Still Here”. The Virginia Living Museum is a leader in natural living exhibits! Native Virginia mammals, marine life, reptiles, amphibians, birds, plants and planets are presented in natural ecosystems and honored for their ability to connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation. Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (living exhibits) and the American Alliance of Museums (non-live collections), the Museum’s high standards are its hallmark, as only fourteen institutions share this designation in the country. Community volunteers outnumber staff by approximately 5:1 for incredible mission delivery. The Museum is a certified Virginia Green attraction dedicated to environmentally friendly practices and education. Created by the Warwick Rotary Club and Junior League of Hampton Roads in 1966, the Museum is an independent 501c3 organization, a successful public/private partnership with the City of Newport News and all guests.Built by the community, beloved by the community, sustained by the community.Located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News (I-64, exit 258-A), hours are 9 to 5 daily. Learn more at thevlm.org, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or call 757-595-1900. |
