Naming for Charity
The Orientarium Zoo in Poland, the Bronx Zoo, and the Birmingham Zoo are among those embracing this unusual fundraising approach. By allowing people to
name Madagascar hissing cockroaches after their former partners, these zoos generate funds for animal care and conservation efforts. The concept is straightforward: for a modest donation, individuals can symbolically 'dump' their exes by associating their names with these resilient insects. This provides a fun, cathartic release. Those who participate can receive a digital Certificate of Naming as well as a cockroach fact sheet. Donors also have the option to have the first name of their cockroach displayed on the zoo’s public naming board. Some zoos even offer a VIP package that includes the privilege of personally feeding the cockroach to a meerkat, under supervision.
How It Works
Participation involves a simple donation, with various packages offering different levels of 'revenge.' For instance, a donation of 50 złoty (approximately Rs1,290) allows a participant to adopt and name a cockroach, receiving an electronic adoption certificate. Those willing to spend 150 złoty (around Rs3,870) also get photographic evidence of the cockroach's fate, while the VIP experience costs 300 złoty (Rs7,740) and includes feeding the cockroach to a meerkat. The Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that the Bronx Zoo program alone has seen approximately 60,000 roaches named after exes, loved ones, and pop culture figures, accumulating around $1 million in donations over the last 15 years. The programs are marketed as a light-hearted way to find closure, support a good cause, and perhaps, have a laugh at the expense of a former flame. The Birmingham Zoo also adopted the program.
A Bit of History
The Orientarium Zoo in Poland originally pioneered this initiative in 2023, offering a novel way to capitalize on the desire for a bit of playful revenge. Their success prompted other zoos, including the Bronx Zoo and Birmingham Zoo, to adopt similar programs. These zoos cleverly leverage the Valentine's Day theme, promoting the campaign as an alternative to traditional gifts. The humorous messaging resonates with a broad audience, encouraging participation through shared social media posts and witty taglines like 'Skip the chocolates' and 'Love has six legs this year.' The campaign’s appeal lies in its simplicity, providing an accessible and amusing way to contribute to a worthy cause while indulging in a bit of lighthearted fun at the same time. The zoos typically unveil a display board listing the names of the christened roaches.
The Roach's Role
The focus on the Madagascar hissing cockroach is not arbitrary; these insects are known for their unique characteristics and behaviors. They are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying matter, which helps keep their environments clean. The Bronx Zoo, for example, highlights this aspect, mentioning that the roaches 'snack on fruit, help clean up the planet, and know a thing or two about courtship.' The cockroaches' courtship rituals, involving head-butting and hissing sounds, add to the quirky appeal of the campaign. The zoos also incorporate messaging highlighting the cockroaches' resilience and ability to thrive, offering participants a symbolic representation of their desire for closure.
Social Media Buzz
The 'Name a Roach' campaign has garnered considerable attention on social media. Zoos and participants alike share updates, photos, and witty comments, which further amplifies the reach of the fundraising efforts. One user humorously inquired about the possibility of feeding their ex to the meerkat without the cockroach intermediary. The Bronx Zoo has also used Facebook to share promotional content, calling the campaign the perfect gift for an ex and urging participants to release their frustrations while helping a good cause. Overall, these social media posts serve to boost the campaign's visibility and encourage participation, highlighting the lighthearted nature of the concept and its positive impact on animal welfare.
