Sealed with a hiss: Valentine’s with a difference at Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo Image by Shinya Suzuki / CC BY 2.0

A New York zoo is helping hopeless romantics have a Valentine’s Day with a difference – by naming a Madagascar hissing cockroach after your ex, or mother-in-law – or even a loved one who is a good sport.

The Name-a-Roach programme was first launched at Bronx Zoo in 2011, and people are still coming out of the woodwork to participate – zoo keepers say thousands have taken advantage of the strange sweetheart deal. Each lucky recipient is emailed a colourful certificate and the 10 dollar fee goes to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

The zoo’s website features a jarring glamour shot – a 2in (5cm) wide roach image, resplendent amid the rose petals. Among the creatures’ selling points are a “surprisingly high tolerance for radiation”.

(Press Association)