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Celebrate Love with Bugs at Minnesota Zoo

As Valentine's Day draws near, the Minnesota Zoo is buzzing with excitement, inviting the community to participate in a one-of-a-kind celebration of love. This year, instead of traditional gifts, you can name an insect to honor your loved ones while contributing to the well-being of the zoo's amazing animals.

For a modest donation of $15 to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation before the midnight deadline on February 14, you can choose a name for a bug, effectively turning it into a unique tribute for a friend or even someone you’re not fond of. Your bug name will play a significant role in the diets of various animals at the zoo, including charming golden lion tamarins, colorful chameleons, curious opossums, and turtles, among others.

Why Bugs Are Better Than Chocolates

Bugs often get a bad rap, yet they are essential creatures in our ecosystems and vital food sources for many animals. By recognizing the crucial roles insects play, we can show appreciation towards them.

• - Beetles contribute positively to soil health and assist in pollination; the soldier beetle, commonly seen in Minnesota gardens, plays a pivotal role in pollinating flowers while feeding on nectar and pollen.

• - Spiders are nature’s pest controllers, reducing the number of mosquitoes and flies within homes. The silk they produce for webs has historical significance, having been used in medicine since ancient times for its healing properties.

• - Cockroaches, despite their negative image, are important players in many ecosystems. They help decompose organic material, acting like waste management units in forests. Interestingly, many cockroach species exhibit social behaviors such as food sharing, grooming, and caring for their young.

Personalized E-Cards

Once you name your bug, the recipient will be informed with a personalized e-card that includes a special message indicating the honor. It's a memorable gesture, showing that you care not only about them but also about the natural world.

Get Involved

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to participate in the Minnesota Zoo’s Valentine’s Day event! You can name a bug today by visiting MNZooFoundation.org/Bugs. Show someone special your affection in a creative way that contributes to wildlife conservation and education at the zoo.

About the Minnesota Zoo Foundation

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the zoo’s important work in wildlife conservation and education. With a diverse range of animal species, the zoo serves not only as a place of wonder but also as a crucial resource for connecting people with nature. As an accredited institution of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the Minnesota Zoo is committed to promoting understanding and protecting wildlife. For more information, visit mnzoo.org.