As Valentine’s Day approaches, those who have been scorned in love are finding unconventional ways to channel their emotions. Across the U.S., animal shelters and zoos have launched darkly humorous fundraisers that offer a sense of catharsis while supporting a good cause.
These campaigns allow people to symbolically “get back” at an ex by naming a feral cat, a rodent, or even a cockroach after them before the animal is either neutered or fed to a predator. This trend has gained widespread attention, with the Minnesota Zoo attracting international participants for its bug-naming campaign.
Finding Humor and Healing Through Unconventional Fundraisers for Heartbroken Animal Lovers
For many, these initiatives serve as a lighthearted yet satisfying way to deal with breakups. Teri Scott of Washington, for instance, chose to donate $100 to the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage, Alaska, as part of its “Love Hurts” fundraiser.
Her donation ensured that a frozen rat named after her ex would be fed to one of the facility’s raptors. Scott, celebrating her first year as a single woman, found humor and personal empowerment in the experience. The fundraiser, which raised over $18,000, proved to be a successful and amusing way for people to process heartbreak.
Laura Atwood, the executive director of the Bird Treatment and Learning Center, emphasized that the campaign was all in good fun and served an important purpose—helping rehabilitate birds. With 580 birds cared for last year, the funds raised contribute to the facility’s operational costs. The overwhelming response led to an unexpected shortage of frozen rats, requiring an emergency restock. Those who participated received videos of birds, such as Ghost the snowy owl, devouring their named rodents, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to the symbolic act.
Affordable Revenge and Creative Ways to Turn Heartbreak into Laughter and Charity
For those seeking a more affordable option, the center also offered the chance to name a mealworm after an ex for $10 before it was fed to a crow or magpie, with the footage posted on social media. Other institutions, like the Memphis Zoo, introduced alternative campaigns with both positive and revengeful choices. Their “Dating or Dumping” initiative allowed participants to receive either a wholesome video of a red panda eating a grape or, for those with lingering resentment, a video of an elephant pooping accompanied by the words “Scent with Love.”
Beyond personal satisfaction, these fundraisers have created a shared experience, bringing people together to laugh and heal. Caleigh Johnson, for example, rallied her friends to participate in the Memphis Zoo’s campaign, hoping to see her ex’s name top the revenge list. Instead of dwelling on the past, she and her friends planned to enjoy the humorous video as part of their “Galentine’s Day” celebration. These events highlight a growing trend of turning heartbreak into humor while supporting animal welfare—a win-win for both the brokenhearted and the animal world.