US zoos allow “naming” cockroaches and rats for Valentine’s Day to support conservation

United States.-Several zoos in the United States launched an unconventional initiative for Valentine’s Day: visitors can name cockroaches, rats, and other animals after their ex-partner or any symbolic figure. The proposal seeks to combine humor and creativity with a charitable goal: raise funds for conservation programs and environmental education. The program originated at the Bronx Zoo in New York, which since 2011 has allowed names to be assigned to Madagascar hissing cockroaches through a donation. Participants receive a personalized digital certificate and, in some cases, can send funny messages to third parties. The initiative has been replicated in other zoos such as the San Antonio Zoo and the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, expanding the possibility of christening rats or even vegetables that are used as food for other animals in the enclosure. “This campaign has been a success because it combines entertainment with an educational and conservation purpose. Each donation helps protect species, improve facilities, and fund environmental education programs,” explained Bronx Zoo spokespersons.

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Participation is open to anyone of legal age and is conducted virtually. The funds raised are exclusively allocated to wildlife conservation programs and may be tax-deductible, according to U.S. legislation. The initiative, which is celebrated every February, has become an original and symbolic way of expressing affection or jokes towards ex-partners, while contributing to the protection of biodiversity.