KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Valentine's Day is fast approaching, a time for people to tell significant others how much they're appreciated. For the holiday, Zoo Knoxville is bringing back a special fundraiser.
For $10, people can symbolically name a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach after an ex, a relative, a friend, a coworker or anyone they want. Animals at the zoo will then eat the roach.
Zoo Knoxville said it reserves the right not to display names that are inappropriate or offensive, and only first names will be displayed. This year, the zoo is also offering a kinder way to express affection. People can donate and send a huggable lion plush to their significant others, showing how fierce their love is.
The fundraisers are part of the "Support a Species" program, which gives people a chance to donate to the zoo and support specific species there. Plushes are available at the $100 level and include information about the supported species with a vinyl decal, a personalized certificate and bi-annual updates about the species.
