'Name Cockroach After Ex': These Zoos Offer Hilarious Valentine’s Day Gift For Scorned Lovers

Last Updated:February 01, 2026, 19:27 IST

Orientarium Zoo, Bronx Zoo, and Birmingham Zoo offer Valentine’s Day fundraisers letting people name Madagascar hissing cockroaches after exes, raising funds for animal care.

Birmingham zoo is one of the zoos that have given people the option to name a cockroach after their former lover. (Birmingham zoo)

As people gear up to celebrate Valentine’s Day, some zoos across the world have pitched the ultimate breakup gift to raise money for animal care and protection. However, this programme is just some auction but for scorned lovers.

The Orientarium Zoo in Poland had 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 have relaunched the project this year.

In a Facebook post, the zoo called 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 an outlay of 50 złoty (Rs1,290) participants can adopt a Madagascar hissing cockroach and name it after their ex, earning an electronic adoption certificate in return.

Those willing to spend 150 złoty (Rs3,870) will also receive photographic proof of the insect’s fate.

Those seeking an ultimate revenge, the VIP package, will need to spend 300 złoty (Rs7,740) to personally feed the ex-named cockroach to a meerkat, under zoo supervision.

Responding to the Facebook post, one of the users said: “Can you save the cockroach and just feed my ex to the meerkat?"

“The meerkat would probably run away from my ex," wrote another.

According to TVP World, even the city’s official Facebook account joined the chorus, urging people to stop stalking their exes on Instagram and to “recycle them instead."

They added: “This is the only time your ex might actually be useful to someone—as a crunchy snack!"

Meanwhile, the Bronx Zoo said on Facebook: “This Valentine’s Day, name a Madagascar hissing cockroach at the Bronx Zoo after your special someone. These oval-shaped detritivores snack on fruit, help clean up the planet, and know a thing or two about courtship."

“Male roaches grow large head horns and battle for a mate—ramming into each other while hissing. Whoever flips their opponent first wins the girl. Honestly? Relationship goals. Skip the chocolates. Love has six legs this year. Name yours today," the post said.

According to New York Post, the Wildlife Conservation Society — which oversees the Bronx Zoo and other Big Apple animal attractions, such as the New York City Aquarium — estimates a whopping 60,000 roaches have been named after former exes as well as loved ones and even pop culture celebs, adding up to roughly $1 million in donations in the 15 years since the program launched.

The zoos will reportedly unveil the naming wall board that displays the first names of the newly christened roaches.

The Birmingham Zoo has 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 anyone they choose) as part of the Zoo’s Valentine’s Day fundraiser. “Name a Roach" is a playful way to let go, have a laugh, and support a great cause at the same time," it said.

It further said: “Each donor will receive a digital Certificate of Naming and cockroach fact sheet, perfect for sharing with friends or displaying proudly for the holiday. First names only will be featured on the infamous Cockroach Naming Window at the entrance of the Zoo. To be included on the display, donations must be submitted by end of day February 12. The naming board will be unveiled on February 14, with photos shared across the Zoo’s social media channels."

News world 'Name Cockroach After Ex': These Zoos Offer Hilarious Valentine’s Day Gift For Scorned Lovers

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