This Valentine’s Day season, the Toronto Zoo launched a new Name-a-Roach campaign.
Facilitated by the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, the campaign ran as a fundraiser. “The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy is always looking for new and unique ways to raise funds to support the Zoos ongoing conservation and research efforts to help fight extinction,” said Kelsey Godel, Donor Stewardship and Engagement Coordinator for the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy over email to The Cord.
Those who donated and named a cockroach were able to dedicate their donation in honour of anyone of their choosing. “We recognize that Valentine’s Day isn’t fun for everyone and wanted to offer a playful alternative to flowers and chocolates for those who might be looking to mark the occasion differently,” said Godel.
The minimum donation was $25 with proceeds going to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy. Godel said, “Funds raised through these programs help to support the Zoo’s ongoing scientific research, and conservation efforts to preserve endangered species.”
“Due to the overwhelming success of our Name-a-Roach Valentine’s Day Special and the orders exceeding our current capacity to fulfill all requests promptly, our Name-a-Roach fundraiser has come to a close,” explained Godel.
Although the name-a-roach campaign has come to a close, students still have the opportunity to donate to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy.
Despite their hair-raising reputation, cockroaches undeniably play a vital role in the sustainability of plant and animal habitats.
Kelsey Godel, Donor Stewardship and Engagement Coordinator for the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy
“… if you are in love this Valentine’s day, or simply want to let someone know how much you flippin’ love them, you might consider adopting Toronto Zoo African penguin couple, Matilda and Sparkles,” said Godel.
“For a donation of $100, this limited edition package includes a personalized certificate of adoption, a penguin artwork print, a penguin plush toy and more,” said Godel.
For further information regarding adopting Matilda and Sparkles, visit www.wildlifeconservancy.ca/Adopt.
The name-a-roach campaign has left many curious to see which names were given to the cockroaches:
“We will be sharing some of the most popular names in the coming weeks, so be sure to check back in with us on social media @TZWConservancy on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!,”
“Despite their hair-raising reputation, cockroaches undeniably play a vital role in the sustainability of plant and animal habitats,” Godel said.
“…the Toronto Zoo and the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy respect all creatures – big and small. Cockroaches play a very integral ecological role in their rainforest homes by helping to decompose forest litter and animal fecal matter and are, in turn, food for many other animals.”