This is actually something I discovered a few years ago when I was going through my own breakup, and it’s such a wild idea, I had to share it here.
I actually mention it in The Ultimate No BS Breakup Survival Guide e-book (shameless plug), which you can grab right here for $5.99. It’s jam packed with funny stories, relatable advice, and journaling prompts.
But I digress.
The Bronx Zoo (and other zoos across the country) offer the option to name a bug after your ex. In the case of The Bronx Zoo, it’s a “Madagascar Hissing Roach” which sounds like my actual worst nightmare, which is why I used the photo from the Minnesota Zoo in my header, because I literally couldn’t look at the Bronx Zoo photos for too long. AND upon my research, I found that some people actually do this as a romantic gesture?! I guess if you’re really into bugs? I would scream. I would run away screaming.
Personally, I prefer the zoos that name any roaches or bugs after your ex and then FEED IT to an animal, whilst livestreaming it so you can watch. This may sound like animal cruelty to some but animals be doing animal things, and they eat bugs/other animals. Lions are not gonna go vegan anytime soon, I’m sorry. BUT some of the options below ARE actually vegan! So without further adieu…
Here an updated list for 2025:
1. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Ohio):
- Program: For a $15 donation, you can name a superworm after your ex. The zoo’s sloth bears, Randhir and Heiderose, will consume the named superworm. Donors receive a personalized 30-45 second video of the bears enjoying their snack.
- Livestream/Video: Yes, video provided.
- More Information: people.com
2. San Antonio Zoo (Texas):
- Program: The “Cry Me a Cockroach” fundraiser allows participants to name a cockroach ($10), a pre-frozen rat ($25 also MY GOD THIS IS WILD), or a vegetable ($5) after an ex-partner, boss, or friend. The named item is then fed to a zoo animal.
- Livestream/Video: Participants receive a digital downloadable Valentine’s Day card indicating their involvement.
- More Information: forbes.com
3. Lehigh Valley Zoo (Pennsylvania):
- Program: For a $15 donation, you can name a fish after your ex, which will then be fed to the zoo’s African penguins. Participants receive a video link capturing the moment their named fish is consumed.
- Livestream/Video: Yes, video link provided.
- More Information: forbes.com
4. Bronx Zoo (New York):
- Program: The “Name a Roach” program allows you to name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after someone for $15. While the roaches are not fed to other animals, the zoo offers various gift packages, including a digital certificate and optional virtual encounters.
- Livestream/Video: Virtual encounters available with certain packages (this would be a hard no for me but you do you).
- More Information: bronxzoo.com
5. Brookfield Zoo (Illinois):
- Program: For a $15 donation, you can name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after your ex. The first names of all named roaches will be displayed on the Cockroach Naming Board outside the Hamill Family Play Zoo on February 14.
- Livestream/Video: No mention of video or livestream.
- More Information: abc7chicago.com
6. Minnesota Zoo:
- Program: For a $15 donation, you can name a bug in someone’s honor, which will then be fed to one of the zoo’s animals.
- Livestream/Video: No mention of video or livestream.
- More Information: kaaltv.com
Happy Valentine’s Day!
