Not Your Average Valentine: Roaches, Pandas and Ladybugs

Roaches Are Forever

madagascar hissing cockroach bronx zoo — (Image credit: WCS/Bronx Zoo)

"Flowers wilt. Candlelight fades. Roaches are forever." That's the slogan for this year's fundraiser, which supports the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the zoo. Name a roach for $10.

Ew.

chocolate roaches bronx zoo — (Image credit: WCS/Bronx Zoo)

For $25, you can buy a roach-shaped chocolate for your sweetie. Each "cocoa-roach" is a 100 percent solid dark chocolate likeness of a Madagascar hissing cockroach.

"Cocoa-Roach"

The chocolate roaches are hand-crafted by chocolatier Sabrina Berkowitz of The Chocolate Box NYC (Cocoa-roaches are NOT chocolate-covered roaches).

Cub 2 Go

There are other ways to name a zoo animal after your loved one. At Zoo Atlanta, anyone can sponsor a tiger or panda cub for $75, and receive a Cub-To-Go box for their Valentine. The Cub-To-Go boxes come with a cuddly plush version of their sponsored cub.

Ladybug Lovers

ladybug gift package — (Image credit: Audubon Institute)

At the Audubon Society, lovers of flying critters can make an adoption, too: A stuffed ladybug that buzzes when you squeeze it can be all yours for $35.

Critter Cupids

critter cupid national zoo — (Image credit: National Zoo)

The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is offering Critter Cupids this year. For $10, name a naked mole rat or a cuttlefish after your loved one. For $20 you can name an exotic animal such as the oriental fire-bellied toad. Oh, and you can also name a cockroach after a loved one here, too.