The founder of PETA---Ingrid Newkirk---told the DAILY HERALD {quote}:
"Woodstock Willie is jostled around in front of rambunctious crowds when he should be hibernating".
PETA says Willie could be replaced by a 3D holographic projection or an AI-powered robot groundhog.
Despite the request for change, officials say Willie will be in Woodstock Square on February 2nd at 7 a.m. to share his prediction if there will be six more weeks of winter.