Valentine's Day can stir many emotions, especially for those nursing a broken heart. This year, several zoos across the United States are offering unique fundraisers that provide a creative outlet for people to express their feelings towards an ex. From naming a cockroach after a former partner to feeding a fish to a penguin, these entertaining campaigns aim to raise funds while offering participants a chance to have some fun.
In Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley Zoo presents its "Catch and Release" campaign. For a $15 donation, participants can name a fish after an ex and witness it being fed to one of the zoo's resident African penguins. This inventive idea adds a splash of humor to Valentine's Day revenge while supporting the zoo's conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, the Bronx Zoo in New York offers a "Name a Roach" fundraiser where donors can pay $15 to name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after an ex. This campaign has gained popularity for its quirky approach to dealing with past relationships and helps support the zoo's programs.
In Texas, the San Antonio Zoo invites individuals to name a superworm after an ex for $15. These superworms are then fed to sloth bears, providing participants with both entertainment and satisfaction. Similarly, the Fort Worth Zoo holds an "excre-vent" event where Madagascar hissing cockroaches can be named after former partners.
Oregon's WildCat Ridge Sanctuary takes things up a notch with their "My Bloody Valentine" fundraiser. For $50 before February 10, or $75 after, donors can have their ex's "heart" (a meat and Jell-O mold) fed to one of the sanctuary's resident wildcats. This campaign not only offers a dramatic twist on Valentine's revenge but also supports the sanctuary's mission.
In Tennessee, the Memphis Zoo's "Dating or Dumping" campaign allows donors to send a digital thank-you card and a video of a red panda or elephant for a $10 donation. This light-hearted initiative provides participants with a fun way to engage with the zoo while supporting its operations.
Further north, the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago has its own "Name a Cockroach" campaign. For $15, donors can name a cockroach after an ex before it is fed to one of the zoo's animals. This playful fundraiser has garnered attention for its humorous take on relationship woes.
The El Paso Zoo in Texas hosts the "Cry Me a Cockroach" fundraiser, allowing participants to name a Madagascar hissing cockroach, rodent, or vegetable after an ex before it is consumed by a resident animal. On February 14 at 2:15 p.m. local time, the zoo will livestream meerkats enjoying bugs on Facebook and Instagram, adding an interactive element to the campaign.
Minnesota Zoo Foundation offers the "Name a Bug" campaign where donors can name a bug after an ex for $15. The named bugs help feed the zoo's animals while allowing participants to channel their feelings creatively. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio also participates with their "Name a Superworm" campaign, offering a similar opportunity for donors.
To participate in most of these campaigns, donors must be at least 18 years old. While some campaigns have passed their deadlines for physical items, digital certificates are still available. Many fundraisers offer downloadable Valentine's Day cards and special videos featuring one of the zoo's animals as part of the package. However, orders for some campaigns must be placed by February 9.
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