Bronx, New York – Feb. 14, 2011 – More than 4,000 romantics have already named a Madagascar hissing cockroach after a beloved for Valentine's Day, sending a clear message to their sweethearts that their love will last forever – just like a roach. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo, with more than 58,000 of these roaches living in its Madagascar! exhibit, is thankful for each name. With its V-Roach gift idea, WCS has raised $40,000 to save wildlife and wild places around the world.
"A roach for Valentine's Day is proving to be priceless," said John Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. Who says romance isn't alive and well?" Some of the roaches at the zoo are now blessed with such names as: Hissing Hottie, Cranky Frankie, Lisa Lovebug, and Hisssterical. Anyone can still name a roach after a loved one by going to http://www.bronxzoo.com/name-a-roach/ by 6 a.m. EST, Tuesday, Feb. 15. Madagascar hissing cockroaches are the world’s largest roach species reaching nearly four-inches long. The namesake hissing noise is emitted as a defense mechanism. Like nearly every roach species, Madagascar hissing cockroaches are not considered pests and rarely enter homes.
Caption: SEALED WITH A HISS – One of the thousands of Madagascar hissing cockroaches at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo waiting to be named as a last minute Valentine’s Day gift. So far, more than 4,000 “V-roaches” have been named raising $40,000 for WCS to save wildlife and wild places. You can name a roach up until tomorrow, Feb. 15th at 6 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time.
Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher © WCS Contact: Max Pulsinelli: (o) 718-220-5182; mpulsinelli@wcs.org Steve Fairchild: (o) 718-220-5189; sfairchild@wcs.org
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adult admission is $16, children (3-12 years old) $12, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $14. Parking is $13 for cars and $16 for buses. The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit www.bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.
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