Cry Me a Cockroach: Bold Zoo Event

San Antonio Zoo Offers Unique Valentine’s Day Fundraiser for the Heartbroken

The San Antonio Zoo has come up with a unique way for people to move on from their exes this Valentine’s Day, offering an unconventional but entertaining opportunity for closure. Through its annual “Cry Me a Cockroach” fundraiser, the zoo invites participants to name a cockroach after their not-so-special someone and watch it be fed to an animal. This creative and humorous initiative sends a clear message — you’re moving on, with a bit of flair.

For a donation of $10, you can have a cockroach named after your ex and fed to one of the zoo’s animals. If cockroaches aren’t quite your style, the zoo offers other options: a vegetable for $5 or a rodent for $25. Each donation supports the zoo’s efforts to protect wildlife both in Texas and around the globe.

Participants won’t walk away empty-handed. Donors receive a digital Valentine’s Day card showcasing their support for the zoo’s conservation mission. For those who want to take the joke further, there’s an option to send a digital Valentine’s Day card to the ex, informing them that a cockroach, rodent, or vegetable now bears their name and has met its fate at the zoo.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. For the particularly bold, the zoo offers a premium upgrade for $150, which includes a personalized video message capturing the moment when the named cockroach, rodent, or vegetable is devoured by an animal. It’s a cold but undeniably creative way to put the past behind you.

According to Cyle Perez, the zoo’s director of public relations, the event has been a massive success. Last year, over 8,000 donations poured in from all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 countries. “This year, we’re on track to break last year’s record,” Perez told CNN, revealing that the most popular ex-names submitted so far are “Zach,” “Ray,” and “Adam.”

The fundraiser not only brings laughs but also makes a meaningful impact by supporting the zoo’s conservation initiatives. It’s a reminder that even heartbreak can be channeled into something positive for wildlife.

To take part in this entertaining Valentine’s Day tradition, participants need to submit their ex’s name online before the holiday. Whether you’re seeking closure, a bit of humor, or simply want to support a good cause, the San Antonio Zoo’s “Cry Me a Cockroach” event offers a memorable and meaningful way to do so.