Toronto 
Toronto Zoo and the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy are now hosting an online, “Adopt an Animal Valentine’s Day Special – Name-A-Roach” fundraiser.
Those who donate to conservation efforts through the fundraiser by donating a minimum of $25 get to name a roach to “Creep into their heart by naming a cockroach in their honour, and you’ll surely give your special someone goosebumps.”
As Toronto Zoo says, “bChocolates will rot, flowers will wilt – but cockroaches stand the test of time in a world of fleeting moments..”
This unique gesture allows you to choose a special name, be it a humorous inside joke or a heartfelt message. You’ll receive a personalized digital certificate of adoption and a fact sheet about your ‘love bug’ within 1-5 business days of ordering.
On February 15, the zoo will reveal popular roach names and the total funds raised.
Naming a roach for Valentine’s Day gained a following in the U.S. with San Antonio Zoo hosting its Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser. The San Antonio Zoo feeds these “dedicated” cockroaches and rodents to animals during live feedings. El Paso Zoo also feeds cockroaches to their meerkat population under the fundraising event, “Quit Bugging Me.” The events were also live-streamed on the zoos’ Facebook page.
While Toronto Zoo will not be doing a live stream of “named” roaches being fed to one of the animals or feeding these roaches to animals to soothe your broken heart, you can rest assured that your donation will play a vital role in conservation efforts in Canada and the world.
If you want to be a conservation champion, you can adopt a Toronto Zoo cougar for $100.
The zoo states, “whether you’re prowling for a new romance or celebrating a love that’s stood the test of time, adopting a cougar is a fun, bold way to say “I’m wild about you!”
The adoption package includes a personalized adoption certificate, a plush toy ($12 value), a fact booklet with a fold-out poster, a cougar artwork print, and recognition as a Species Ambassador for one year. Plus, get a partial charitable tax receipt for your donation. This symbolic adoption supports the zoo’s conservation efforts and offers a heartfelt way to express affection.
More Information is available here – Adopt an Animal Valentine’s Day Special – Name-A-Roach.
