Zoos Bring Back Valentine’s Day Tradition of Naming Cockroaches After Toxic Exes

For those looking for an unconventional way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, several zoos across the country are once again offering the opportunity to name cockroaches and fish after exes—with some becoming a snack for zoo animals.

Bronx Zoo’s “Name a Roach”

The Bronx Zoo in New York is bringing back its popular “Name a Roach” campaign, which began in 2011. For $15, participants can name a Madagascar hissing cockroach and receive a digital certificate. The program isn’t limited to exes—the zoo encourages people to name roaches after friends and loved ones, too.

Orders can be placed online until February 8, and on February 14, the gift recipient will be notified that an insect now bears their name. For those looking to go all-in, the zoo is offering gift bundles, including a roach plush, roach socks, and even a virtual encounter with a Madagascar hissing cockroach for $35.

“Naming a roach is a Valentine’s tradition for us. Roses and chocolates come and go, but roaches last an eternity—just like our love!” the Bronx Zoo’s website states.

Brookfield Zoo’s “Name a Cockroach After Your Ex”

The Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, is also continuing its “Name a Cockroach After Your Ex” campaign, calling it an “Un-Happy Valentine’s Day” event.

For $15, participants can name a Madagascar hissing cockroach and receive a Certificate of Naming as a reminder of their donation. The first names of all named roaches will also be displayed on the Brookfield Zoo’s Cockroach Naming Board outside the Hamill Family Play Zoo on February 14.

Submissions must be entered by February 5 at 5 p.m. CST to ensure placement on the board, and the zoo will share images of the names on social media.

Lehigh Valley Zoo’s “Catch and Release”

The Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, is hosting a “Catch and Release” event, allowing guests to name a fish after an ex, bad boss, or nosy neighbor—which will then be fed to the zoo’s African penguins.

For a $15 donation, participants can watch their fish become part of the penguins’ meal, supporting the zoo’s conservation and animal enrichment efforts. On February 14, participants will receive a video link capturing the moment their named fish gets devoured.

“Instead of feeling down that it wasn’t love at first ‘bite,’ turn your heartbreak into a ‘fin’tastic feast!” the zoo’s promotional team shared.