Tropical Butterfly House - It's back! Name a Cockroach after your Ex this Valentines

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and for many, that means flowers, chocolates, and fancy dinners. But what if you're not exactly feeling the love? What if, instead of celebrating a current flame, you’d rather have a little laugh about an old one? Well, it turns out the Tropical Butterfly House has got just the thing.

Following a massive success in 2024, they're bringing back a rather unique way to mark the occasion. Forget teddy bears; it’s time to think about cockroaches. Yes, you read that right. This is a Valentine’s campaign with a wonderfully wicked twist, offering a chance to name a cockroach after an ex, all for a brilliant cause.

A valentine's gift with a bit of a sting

Let’s be honest, sometimes relationships don’t end on the best of terms. Instead of letting old drama fester, the Tropical Butterfly House is offering a much funnier, and surprisingly therapeutic, alternative. Their ‘Ex-terminate the drama this Valentine's Day! Name a cockroach after your Ex!’ campaign is back by popular demand, giving people the perfect outlet for any lingering feelings. For just £3.95, anyone can immortalise their ex as one of the resident creepy crawlies. It’s a bit of harmless fun that provides a much-needed giggle during a season that can be a bit much for some.

So, how does it work? It’s brilliantly simple. Once the fee is paid, the participant receives a special digital and downloadable certificate. This isn't just any old piece of paper; it’s a beautifully designed certificate with a space to write in the chosen name, making it official.

The name of the ex is then added to a special ‘roach board’ for all to see. This board of fame (or perhaps shame) is unveiled on Valentine's Day itself and will be proudly displayed inside the butterfly house for the entire month of February. Imagine the satisfaction! It’s one of the most inventive gift ideas out there, whether it's for a friend going through a tough time or a little treat for yourself. This cockroach naming campaign is a perfect way to close a chapter with a smile.

Meet the team and the star of the show

You might be wondering about the cockroaches themselves. Are they just picked at random? Not at all. The team at the Tropical Butterfly House looks after hundreds of them, and they’re a vital part of the ecosystem within the centre. In a video released on Thursday, 29th January 2026, to announce the return of the campaign, Abi, the Assistant Head of Animals, can be seen handling some of the resident roaches. She shows that while they might not be as cuddly as a lemur, they are fascinating creatures that play their part. The campaign shines a light on an animal that is often overlooked and misunderstood.

The Assistant Head of Animals is part of a dedicated team that works tirelessly to care for every single animal at the park. From the tiniest insect to the largest mammal, each one receives expert care and attention. This level of dedication is what makes the whole cockroach campaign so special. It isn't just a gimmick; it's an initiative from people who are passionate about every creature, no matter how many legs it has. By giving a cockroach a name, you're also acknowledging the hard work that goes into running a wildlife centre and caring for its diverse inhabitants. This initiative helps people connect with a different kind of animal, one that isn't typically in the spotlight.

It's not just a laugh; it's for a great cause

While naming a cockroach after an ex is undeniably funny, the real heart of this campaign lies in its purpose. Every penny raised from this initiative goes directly towards the park’s crucial projects, specifically supporting wildlife conservation and animal enrichment. So, what does that actually mean? Wildlife conservation projects are essential for protecting endangered species and their habitats, both in the UK and abroad. The funds could help support breeding programmes or contribute to research that helps us understand these animals better. It’s a global effort to protect our planet's biodiversity, and this quirky campaign is a fantastic way for everyone to get involved.

Animal enrichment is another key area that benefits. Think of it as creating a stimulating and engaging environment for the animals. For an intelligent animal like a parrot or a monkey, this could mean puzzle feeders that make them work for their food, keeping their minds sharp. For other animals, it might be new climbing structures or toys that encourage natural behaviours. This enrichment is vital for their mental and physical well-being. So, that £3.95 does more than just get a name on a board; it directly improves the quality of life for an animal and supports wider conservation efforts. It’s a way of turning a sour memory into a sweet gesture for the animal kingdom.

Looking for more traditional gift ideas?

Of course, the cockroach campaign might not be for everyone, especially if you’re happily coupled up! The good news is that the Tropical Butterfly House has plenty of other fantastic gift ideas that are a bit more on the romantic side. For anyone looking to treat a loved one this Valentine's Day, an Animal Experience could be the perfect present. These experiences offer a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the park's most popular residents, like the charming meerkats or the inquisitive lemurs. It’s a memorable day out that’s far more exciting than a simple box of chocolates.

Another wonderful option is their Animal Adoptions programme. This allows you to sponsor a favourite animal for a whole year. The adoption packs often include a certificate, a photo of the animal, and regular updates, making it a gift that keeps on giving. It’s a thoughtful way to show someone you care while also supporting the ongoing work at the butterfly house. Whether it's the funny ‘name a cockroach’ campaign for an ex or a hands-on animal experience for a partner, the Tropical Butterfly House has truly thought of everything this Valentine's season, ensuring there's an amazing gift for every kind of relationship status.