ALBANY HERALD (Georgia) 31 January 08 Tortoise to predict spring - The Parks at Chehaw offer their weather expert, Shledon the gopher tortoise, to predict whether spring or winter will prevail. (Ashley Hindsman)

Albany: Albany weather has been hard to keep up with lately, but Sheldon, the meteorologist gopher tortoise at the Parks at Chehaw, is expected to clear things up for the next few weeks.

As part of the annual Gopher Tortoise Day, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday Sheldon will be making his prediction of either an early spring or extended winter as interpreted by Chehaw’s education department.

Sheldon’s forecast will take place just inside Ben’s Barnyard at the entrance of the Wild Animal Park.

It is said that if Sheldon sees his shadow there will be extended winter weather this year. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

The education department will also be presenting a special program on gopher tortoises covering areas of environment, ecology and taxonomy.

After Sheldon makes his prediction, visitors are encouraged to explore Ben’s Barnyard and the other zoo exhibits, and also have lunch at the Predator and Prey Cafe.

Admission is $7 for adults over 18 and $4 for children between 3-17, senior citizens and military with identification. For group pricing, please call the front ticket boot at (229) 430-5277.
Tortoise to predict spring

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