Today, at the Biological Station of Karazin University in Haidary village of Zmiiv district, Groundhog Day was celebrated.

Groundhog Day is traditionally celebrated in early February. It is believed that the behavior of the groundhog, who comes out of its burrow, predicts the arrival of spring.

The event was attended by Karazin University administration, including Vice-President Anton Panteleimonov; Vice-President Oleksandr Holovko; Dean of the School of Biology, Yurii Hamulia; the University Professor Dmytro Shabanov; Kharkiv Press Club Coordinator, Liudmyla Dolia; Zmiiv Mayor, Pavlo Holodnikov; Kharkiv Regional Council Deputy Anatolii Hatsko; Kharkiv Rotari Club representative Yuzef Bronevskyi; and guests of the holiday.

The coordinator of the Kharkiv Press Club, Liudmyla Dolia, said: “We have met in this place since 2004. The main goal of this holiday always remains the same — to draw public attention to the diversity and preservation of the Ukrainian steppe. The village of Haidary of Zmiiv district has become the capital of Ukrainian weather because every year we gather and ask the groundhog when spring will begin in Ukraine. With this holiday we managed to unite the whole of Ukraine: in two weeks Lviv groundhogs will be asked about the weather."

Zmiiv Mayor, Pavlo Holodnikov, stressed that the event is aimed at drawing attention to the problem of nature and environment conservation.

The Dean of the School of Biology, Yurii Hamulia, remarked: “We celebrate this holiday in a very significant place, because this is where the environmental activities in Kharkiv region began. Expanding the environmental fund and creating new facilities is an extremely important strategic task for Ukraine."

"Despite the fact that Tymko did not see his shadow, spring will be quite unstable. Temperature fluctuations await us. Spring will come in time, but it will be quite cold,” said Nadiia Tokarska, Keeper of the Groundhog.

This year, Tymko the Groundhog is concerned not only with predicting weather conditions, but also with preserving the Ukrainian steppe zone for future generations. Therefore, the staff of Karazin University presented the scientific substantiation and creation of the National Natural Park "Eastern Steppes", which aims to protect the authentic steppe zone, where groundhogs live.

Thanks to a mini-show prepared by Karazinites, those present learned how Tymko spent last year. Also, in addition to the traditional spring forecast, Tymko chose the best anti-stress dish for Ukrainians in 2022. It became lard with black bread, garlic and herbs.