• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Zoo will let you name a cockroach after your ex and feed it to an animal

Home> News> US News

Published 19:47 2 Feb 2024 GMT

Zoo will let you name a cockroach after your ex and feed it to an animal

It's be hailed as a 'true heartbreak healer'

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton

Some people might not be looking forward to this Valentine's Day, but this quirky idea from a zoo may cheer you up.

San Antonio Zoo is bringing back its viral fundraiser that sees people make a donation to the zoo in exchange for naming a cockroach, piece of veg or even a rodent after their ex.

See a bug named 'Mark' being eaten by a possum and donate to a good cause? What's not to love?

Detailing the return of 'Cry Me a Cockroach', San Antonio Zoo's website says: "Be part of the global sensation and ex-terminate your past and support a noble cause with the Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser.

"Symbolically name a roach, rat, or veggie after your ex or not-so-special someone and San Antonio Zoo will help squash your past, a true heartbreak healer, by feeding your selection to an animal resident.

Advert

"This fundraiser received international attention last year, this year, it promises to be even more sensational."

Jilted lovers are able to pick the option to donate $5, $10, or $25 to the zoo in exchange for an edible item being named after their ex.

It was first introduced in 2020 and has continued to be popular ever since.

Thousands of people in previous years have named a cockroach after their ex.
Joao Paulo Burini/Getty

Advert

Back in 2022, it was reported that people from all 50 US states and more than 30 countries submitted their ex's names. There were over 8,000 donations in total.

Xiaoan Chen was one of those thousands of people to do so and chatted to the BBC about why.

She said: "As soon as I saw the link, I was like: 'OK, isn't there a better thing to offer myself a Valentine's gift than naming my exes name on a roach?'"

"I couldn't find anything better," Chen went on. "After I did that, I felt so much relief."

Advert

She continued to say she felt 'reborn' and that she was 'ready to forget everything'.

In 2022, some of the most submitted names were Jacob and Sarah, while 2023 saw an increase in Matts, Ashleys and Jessicas.

San Antonio Zoo shared an amusing clip of a member of staff dressed as a cockroach to its TikTok last year as a way of advertising the unique fundraiser.

Advert

Someone replied to the clip: "Are we limited to the number we can name? I have a laundry list."

Another person quipped: "Umm, does it have to be an ex? What about my boss’s name? Asking for a friend…"

Whoever you decide to nominate, at least you know your money's going to a good cause.

If this sounds like something that will help heal your broken heart this Valentine's Day, you can donate here.

Featured Image Credit: WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images Facebook/San Antonio Zoo

Topics: Animals, US News, Valentine's Day, Sex and Relationships

Niamh Shackleton
Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

X

@niamhshackleton

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

7 hours ago
9 hours ago
11 hours ago
  • 7 hours ago

    Diddy denied bail after being found guilty on 2 out of 5 counts in sex trafficking and prostitution case

    Diddy has been denied bail after being found guilty on two of five charges he was facing

    News
  • 9 hours ago

    Donald Trump makes shocking threat he wants to deport US citizens and people are stunned

    Donald Trump has made a threat to deport US citizens following the opening of a migrant centre in Florida

    News
  • 11 hours ago

    Bryan Kohberger speaks for first time in court admitting to how he brutally murdered four Idaho students

    The Idaho murder suspect has spoken out following the brutal murders of four students in 2022

    News
  • 11 hours ago

    Former prosecutor explains why Diddy was found not guilty on 3 out of 5 counts in sex trafficking and prostitution case

    A legal expert has shared his thoughts about why Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been found not guilty of three counts

    News
  • Expert reveals the specific phrases that will let you know a woman is 'not that into you'
  • Expert reveals five clear signs that mean your partner is about to cheat on you
  • Doctor issues chilling warning as to why you should never let your dog lick your face
  • Scientists reveals the 9 most common ways people use to end relationships and some might surprise you