At a Glance
- San Antonio Zoo’s “Cry Me a Cockroach” fundraiser returns with lower prices for Valentine’s Day
- Participants can name a cockroach, rodent, or vegetable after an ex for $5-$15
- The zoo’s seventh-year event supports wildlife conservation and education programs
- Why it matters: A playful way to raise funds while giving heartbroken visitors lighthearted revenge
San Antonio Zoo is cutting prices on its annual Valentine’s Day tradition that lets the lovelorn get even with their exes-by feeding creatures named after them to zoo animals.
The Texas park announced Monday, Jan. 12, that its “Cry Me a Cockroach” fundraiser is back with reduced rates. The cheeky campaign invites guests to symbolically name a cockroach, rodent, or vegetable after a former flame or “not-so-special someone,” then watch it become lunch for a zoo resident.
Price Cuts Make Revenge Cheaper
This year’s cost breakdown:
- $5 for a cockroach or vegetable
- $15 for a rodent
The zoo promoted the event on Instagram with the tagline: “Love is expensive. Revenge isn’t.”
“Cry Me a Cockroach returns with lower prices-because a little payback shouldn’t break the bank,” the post reads.
Global Valentine’s Tradition
Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoo, told local outlet KSAT that the fundraiser has become “a Valentine’s Day tradition across the globe.”
“With Cry Me a Cockroach, we’ve found a fun and creative way for people around the world to get some innocent revenge,” Morrow said in a statement.
The event is now in its seventh year. Morrow noted in 2023 that the donated creatures “are already part of the animals’ typical diets” and serve as “the unsung heroes of the food chain this Valentine’s season.”
Social Media Buzz
Instagram commenters embraced the concept:
- “Will be doing this for my ex and his mother 😌”
- “Does it have to be an ex? Or can it simply be an enemy?”
Fans called the idea “funny” and “brilliant.”
Conservation Impact
Proceeds support the zoo’s wildlife conservation, animal care, and education programs. Participants also receive:
- A downloadable Valentine’s Day card to share with friends or exes
- A holiday video featuring a popular zoo resident
The fundraiser runs through Valentine’s Day, giving the broken-hearted a budget-friendly way to turn heartache into help for animals.
