The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio is offering a unique and somewhat quirky opportunity for visitors this Valentine’s Day season. The zoo is allowing donors to name a superworm after their ex or anyone else who has been bothering them, and then watch as the resident Sloth bears, Randhir and Heiderose, devour and slurp up the worms through an enrichment tube. For a donation of $15, donors will receive a personalized video of the bears enjoying their snack. The zoo sees this as a fun way for people to get back at their exes while also supporting animal care and conservation efforts.
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Alternatively, for those feeling more romantic, the Columbus Zoo is offering a different gift idea. Visitors can purchase a felt heart that will be used by the penguins to build their nests. For a donation of $30, donors will receive a video of the penguins receiving the felt hearts with their loved ones’ names on them. The zoo suggests placing orders by February 9 to ensure delivery by Valentine’s Day. This initiative provides a heartwarming twist on Valentine’s Day celebrations and allows visitors to show their love for both animals and their partners.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is not the only wildlife park getting in on the Valentine’s Day fun. The Bronx Zoo, for example, is offering a similar opportunity for donors to name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after their special someone. The zoo’s “name-a-roach” certificates are available for $15, or donors can opt for a $35 certificate that includes a virtual encounter with one of the cockroaches. This unique initiative has become a tradition at the Bronx Zoo, with one namer stating, “Roses and chocolates come and go, but roaches last an eternity – just like our love.”
These creative and offbeat initiatives by zoos provide visitors with a fun and unconventional way to celebrate Valentine’s Day while also supporting wildlife conservation efforts. By engaging visitors in activities that involve the animals at the zoo, these initiatives not only raise funds but also create memorable experiences for donors. This shows how zoos are finding innovative ways to connect with their visitors and raise awareness about the importance of conservation and animal welfare.
While some may view these initiatives as light-hearted and humorous, they also serve a deeper purpose in promoting animal care and conservation. By participating in these activities, visitors are directly contributing to the well-being of the animals at the zoos and supporting conservation efforts around the world. This demonstrates how zoos are not just places for entertainment, but also play a crucial role in education and advocacy for wildlife protection.
Overall, these initiatives highlight the creativity and commitment of zoos to engage with their visitors in meaningful ways. Whether it’s naming a worm after an ex or a cockroach after a loved one, these initiatives spark conversations about wildlife conservation and encourage people to think about their relationship with the animal kingdom. This Valentine’s Day, visitors have the opportunity to show their love for both animals and their loved ones in a fun and unconventional manner, making it a memorable and impactful experience for all involved.