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The Orientarium Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and the Birmingham Zoo are holding Valentine’s Day fundraisers, allowing people to name Madagascar cockroaches after ex-lovers, raising money for the animals’ care.
Birmingham Zoo is one of the zoos that has given people the option of naming a cockroach after their ex. (Birmingham Zoo)
As people prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, some zoos around the world have put together the ultimate breakup gift to raise money for the care and protection of the animals. However, this program is just auctions but for scorned lovers.
Poland’s Orientarium Zoo first launched the initiative in 2023 to allow vengeful people to name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after their ex before feeding it to a meerkat. They relaunched the project this year.
In a Facebook post, the zoo described the campaign as “the perfect gift for your ex,” adding that it allows people to symbolically “close a chapter” while supporting a good cause.
According to TVP World, for spending 50 zlotys (Rs 1,290), participants can adopt a Madagascar cockroach and name it after their ex-partner, receiving an electronic adoption certificate in return.
Those willing to spend 150 złoty (Rs 3,870) will also receive photographic evidence of the insect’s fate.
Those seeking the ultimate revenge, the VIP package, will need to spend 300 zlotys (Rs 7,740) to feed the former cockroach to the meerkat, under the zoo’s supervision.
In response to a Facebook post, one user said: “Can you rescue the cockroach and feed my ex to the meerkat?”
“The meerkat will probably run away from my ex,” another wrote.
According to TVP World, even the city’s official Facebook account has joined in the chorus, urging people to stop stalking their exes on Instagram and “recycle them instead.”
They added: “This is the only time your ex could be useful to someone – as a crunchy snack!”
Meanwhile, the Bronx Zoo said on Facebook: “This Valentine’s Day, name the Madagascar hissing cockroach at the Bronx Zoo after your special someone. These oval-shaped droppings eat fruit, help clean up the planet, and know a thing or two about courtship.”
The post read: “Male cockroaches grow large head horns and fight for a mate, bumping into each other while hissing. Whoever flips his opponent first wins the girl. Honestly? Relationship goals. Skip the chocolate. Love has six legs this year. Name yours today.”
According to the New York Post, the Wildlife Conservation Society — which oversees the Bronx Zoo and other animal attractions in the Big Apple, such as the New York City Aquarium — estimates that 60,000 cockroaches have been named after their exes as well as loved ones and even pop culture celebrities, adding up to nearly $1 million in donations in the 15 years since the program was launched.
The zoos will reportedly unveil a wall plaque displaying the first names of the new cockroaches.
Birmingham Zoo also offered people to name a cockroach after their former lovers.
“For a minimum donation of $20, participants can name a Madagascar hissing cockroach in honor of a former flame (or someone they choose) as part of the Zoo’s Valentine’s Day fundraiser. ‘Name a Cockroach’ is a fun way to let loose, laugh, and support a great cause all at the same time.”
She also said: “Each donor will receive a digital naming certificate and a cockroach fact sheet, perfect for sharing with friends or displaying proudly at the holiday. Only first names will be displayed on the infamous cockroach naming window at the Zoo’s entrance. To be included on display, donations must be made by the end of the day on February 12. The naming plaque will be unveiled on February 14, with photos shared across the Zoo’s social media channels.”
01 February 2026 at 19:27 IST
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