Turn heartache into hilarity: Name an ex after a roach and contribute to a worthy cause

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and while some may not be eagerly awaiting its arrival, San Antonio Zoo has concocted a delightfully quirky remedy for the heartbroken. The viral sensation ‘Cry Me a Cockroach’ fundraiser is making a triumphant return, allowing scorned lovers to make a donation to the zoo and, in return, name a cockroach, a piece of veg, or even a rodent after their ex.

As part of this amusing spectacle, donors can choose to contribute $5, $10, or $25 to symbolically name an edible item after their former flame. The zoo promises to take the selected item and serve it as a delectable treat to one of its animal residents, offering a unique and entertaining way to bid farewell to past heartaches.

San Antonio Zoo’s website declares, “Be part of the global sensation and ex-terminate your past and support a noble cause with the Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser. Symbolically name a roach, rat, or veggie after your ex or not-so-special someone, and San Antonio Zoo will help squash your past, a true heartbreak healer, by feeding your selection to an animal resident. This fundraiser received international attention last year; this year, it promises to be even more sensational.”

The ‘Cry Me a Cockroach’ fundraiser made its debut in 2020 and has since captured the imaginations of thousands worldwide. In 2022, participants from all 50 US states and over 30 countries submitted their ex’s names, resulting in over 8,000 donations. Xiaoan Chen, a participant, shared her experience, expressing, “As soon as I saw the link, I was like: ‘OK, isn’t there a better thing to offer myself a Valentine’s gift than naming my ex’s name on a roach?’ I couldn’t find anything better. After I did that, I felt so much relief.”

In 2022, names like Jacob and Sarah dominated the submissions, while 2023 witnessed an increase in Matts, Ashleys, and Jessicas. The zoo even took to TikTok to promote the unique fundraiser, sharing a comical clip of a staff member dressed as a cockroach.

So, whether you have a laundry list of exes to name or ponder the inclusion of a boss’s name, rest assured that your contribution is supporting a good cause – wildlife conservation. Embrace the opportunity to turn heartache into laughter and donate to ‘Cry Me a Cockroach’ here, ensuring your Valentine’s Day is filled with both compassion and comical revenge