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Name a Rat (or Roach) After Your Ex (or Lover) for Valentine's Day

Need ideas for a Valentine's Day gift? This one is sure to surprise!

Two roaches on a white background with a pile of roses petals behind them. Text in the right corner say "Name a Roach Bronx
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Chocolates and flowers are the standard gifts for Valentine's Day. But what about naming a live creature after the one you love...or loathe? This Valentine's Day in New York City lovers both happy and scorned have the chance to show their affection or disdain by naming two of the city's most common pests: rats and roaches.

This February the Bronx Zoo continues its tradition of letting you name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after the one you love. The bugs are "indestructible," just like you want your relationship to be. Customers who dedicate a roach with a $15 donation can send their giftee a digital certificate. Additional pieces of roach-emblazoned merchandise, like a beanie, belt bag, and roach plushie, are available to gift as well. Orders must be placed by February 4, 2025, to ensure they arrive for Valentine’s Day.

You can cuddle up with that special someone and (virtually) meet a Madagascar hissing cockroach during a Valentine's Virtual Encounter on February 14th, 15th, or 16th. A zoo expert will share insights into cockroach care and bring a surprise animal guest.

The Zoo also offers an in-person experience where you and your significant other can sample sustainably grown chocolate and wine at an exclusive, adult-only, after-hours program on Saturday, February 15th.

Digital image of a line up of grey and white rats in dark blue basketball jerseys
Image Courtesy of BetUS

Now for those pesky exes...BetUS is giving you the chance to name a rodent on its basketball Rat Roster. The online sports book invites New Yorkers to share their terrible ex stories. The authors of the five best stories will be chosen for their rats to be drafted into the starting five. You even get to pick the jersey number. Have anyone in mind? 

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