As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air—but so is the chance to settle some unfinished business with an ex. Across the country, zoos are capitalizing on this romantic season with lighthearted and amusing fundraising campaigns that allow individuals to name a cockroach, rodent, vegetable, or superworm after a former flame. These unique initiatives not only offer a therapeutic outlet for those recovering from past relationships but also serve as a creative way to raise funds for wildlife conservation and education programs.

Among the leading examples is the San Antonio Zoo’s “Cry Me a Cockroach” fundraiser, which has captured national attention with its tongue-in-cheek approach to heartbreak. For a small donation, individuals can symbolically name a cockroach after their ex, which will then be fed to one of the zoo’s animals. Those looking for a slightly bigger impact can opt for a pre-frozen rat, available for a higher donation, which is then given as a meal to one of the zoo’s reptiles. For the plant-based revenge seekers, the campaign also offers the opportunity to name a vegetable that will be fed to one of the zoo’s herbivores.

Other zoos have followed suit, adding their own creative twists. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, for instance, has introduced a “Name a Superworm” campaign, where individuals can symbolically name a superworm after an ex before it is fed to the zoo’s sloth bears. These unique and quirky fundraisers are a humorous way for people to express their emotions while directly supporting the zoos’ conservation and educational efforts.

The Rise of “Ex-Naming” Valentine’s Fundraisers

The concept of associating breakups with zoo feedings is not entirely new. Over the years, several zoos and wildlife organizations have devised similar campaigns, turning heartache into an opportunity to support animal care. These events have grown in popularity as they offer a playful yet harmless way for people to channel their frustrations and move on from past relationships.

For many, the ability to “let go” of an ex by symbolically naming a doomed insect or rodent provides a sense of closure. Unlike traditional breakup rituals—such as deleting old texts or burning photos—this fundraiser transforms heartbreak into a tangible and beneficial act for wildlife. The humorous nature of these campaigns also makes them highly shareable on social media, contributing to their widespread appeal.

Conservation at the Heart of the Campaigns

While the entertainment value of these fundraisers is undeniable, the real winners are the zoos and the animals they support. Proceeds from these events help fund various conservation efforts, including habitat preservation, breeding programs for endangered species, and educational initiatives aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife.

Zoos play an integral role in global conservation efforts. Many institutions participate in breeding programs for endangered species, such as the black-footed ferret, California condor, and Amur leopard. These programs are essential in maintaining genetic diversity and reintroducing species into the wild. Additionally, zoos serve as educational hubs, providing the public with opportunities to learn about wildlife, ecosystems, and the challenges facing many species today.

The money raised through these Valentine’s Day fundraisers directly supports these initiatives, ensuring that zoos can continue their mission of protecting and preserving biodiversity. For example, funds may go toward improving animal enclosures, enhancing veterinary care, and supporting rescue and rehabilitation programs for injured wildlife.

A Faster Alternative to Naming a Star

For decades, people have found symbolic ways to commemorate relationships—both good and bad. One popular tradition has been naming a star after a loved one. However, naming a star comes with its limitations: the star remains billions of miles away, untouched by human interaction, and it may take millions or even billions of years before it is consumed by a black hole.

By contrast, the zoo fundraisers provide a much faster and more interactive alternative. Within a matter of days, or even hours, a cockroach, rat, or superworm named after an ex will meet its fate, serving as nourishment for an animal in need. The immediacy of these campaigns makes them both satisfying and highly engaging for participants.

The Psychology Behind the Fundraisers

Beyond the financial and conservation benefits, these fundraisers tap into the psychology of breakups and healing. Studies have shown that symbolic gestures can help people process emotions and move forward from past relationships. Engaging in a lighthearted activity—such as naming a cockroach after an ex—provides a sense of empowerment and control, which can be therapeutic for those struggling with heartbreak.

Additionally, humor is a well-documented coping mechanism. Finding ways to laugh about past relationships can ease emotional pain and shift perspectives. The communal aspect of these fundraisers, where thousands of participants join in the fun, creates a sense of shared experience and validation.

The Public’s Response

Over the years, these zoo fundraisers have received overwhelmingly positive responses from the public. Many participants appreciate the creative approach to Valentine’s Day, as it provides an alternative to traditional celebrations that focus solely on romance. Social media has played a significant role in spreading awareness, with participants eagerly sharing their contributions online.

Some zoos even take the experience a step further by offering personalized video messages or live-streamed feedings, allowing donors to witness the moment their named cockroach or rodent is consumed. This added level of engagement makes the experience even more memorable.

However, while the majority of people view these fundraisers as harmless fun, some critics argue that the campaigns may trivialize relationships or promote negativity. Zoos have responded by emphasizing the positive impact of the donations, highlighting the importance of conservation and education. Many participants also see the events as an amusing way to embrace closure rather than harbor resentment.

A New Valentine’s Tradition?

As these fundraisers continue to gain popularity, they may well become a staple of Valentine’s Day celebrations for years to come. In a world where breakups are inevitable, finding constructive and entertaining ways to process emotions is invaluable. More importantly, these campaigns serve as a reminder of the crucial work that zoos do to protect and care for wildlife.

By donating to these programs, individuals can turn past heartbreak into something meaningful, supporting conservation efforts and ensuring that zoos have the resources they need to continue their mission. Whether it’s naming a cockroach, a rat, a vegetable, or a superworm, these unique fundraisers offer a refreshing twist on Valentine’s Day—one that benefits both humans and animals alike.

Impression

Valentine’s Day is a time for love, laughter, and sometimes, a little bit of playful revenge. Across the country, zoos have embraced the season with fundraising campaigns that offer participants a chance to symbolically name an insect or animal after an ex, while also contributing to important conservation efforts. These fundraisers provide a humorous and cathartic way to celebrate the holiday while ensuring that zoos can continue their essential work in protecting and educating about wildlife.

Whether you’re celebrating new love, embracing singlehood, or simply enjoying the spectacle, these unique Valentine’s Day fundraisers prove that even heartbreak can serve a greater purpose. So, if you’re looking for an unconventional way to mark the holiday, consider making a donation to your local zoo—after all, nothing says “moving on” quite like watching a cockroach named after your ex become lunch for a hungry animal.

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