STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Hopefully he does a better job handling his office.

Mayor Bill de Blasio dropped Staten Island Chuck during his first Groundhog Day ceremony Sunday morning, moments before the furry meteorologist predicted six more weeks of winter. Aside from the drama, Chuck's winter weather prediction still weighed heavy on everyone hoping for an early spring during the Zoo's 32nd annual Groundhog Day ceremony.

"I'm ready for some warm weather," said Jessica Davies, of West Brighton, who attended this year's ceremony with her sisters. Like many gathered at the Zoo, she noted the small town feel that only comes with such an event.

"I think it brings the Island together -- it's a community event, and no matter what side of the Island you're from, everyone comes to see Chuck," she said.

"And we're better than Phil," she said in reference to Punxsutawney Phil, the nation's other famous groundhog prognosticator, who also predicted a late winter this year.

As for de Blasio's faux pas, Ms. Davies still said the mayor did an "excellent job," especially when compared to his predecessor.

"We were in the front row when Chuck bit Bloomberg and that looked like it hurt -- this wasn't so bad after seeing that," she said.

"Besides, it must be hard to hold a groundhog," she added. "I'd be squirming too if I was being kicked out of my bed this early."

Others weren't so forgiving.

"Being a Bloomberg fan, I thought it was good Chuck gave a little zing back to the new mayor," said Chris Diglio, of West Brighton, who watched with his wife and daughter.

After attending the Groundhog Day ceremony for the first time, Mariners Harbor residents Rolph Singh and his wife said they hoped de Blasio would be more suited for public office.

"Hopefully he handles his administration better than he held onto Chuck," quipped Singh.

Before dropping Chuck, de Blasio said he hoped to have a fresh start between the groundhog and mayor's office. It would appear that Charles G. Hogg had other ideas.

"Chuck and my predecessor didn't always get along...but I'm hoping we can start a new day," de Blasio said. "I'm reaching out a hand to Chuck."