Results of the Toronto Zoo 2023 Valentine's Day campaign

Last year, more than 600 people named a cockroach after an ex-lover or angry boss, prompting the Toronto Zoo to renew the campaign this Valentine's Day.

The Toronto Zoo launched a wildlife conservation campaign in 2023, inviting residents to donate $20 to name the person who “conquered” a cockroach.

“The response to our 2023 Shoot the Roach package has been overwhelming,” Toronto Zoo Communications Coordinator Rachel McLaughlin told CTV News Toronto.

“Within days, we had more than 660 cockroaches from donors in 20 countries on five continents.”

In 2024, people can pay $25 for a cockroach. They will receive a personalized digital adoption certificate with the adopter's name and cockroach's name, a digital error slip and a donation tax receipt.

“Chocolate rots, flowers fade, but in a world of fleeting moments, cockroaches stand the test of time,” the zoo says.

For those looking for a more subtle way to show your love, capybaras can be named for $100, but officials say limited packages are available.

With this purchase, donors will receive a personalized adoption certificate, a Capybara plush toy, recognition as a Species Ambassador, and a partial donation tax receipt.

The zoo is hosting 19+ Valentine's Day events from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on February 13th and 14th. More information can be found on his website.