More than 100 people named a cockroach after an ex for the Little Rock Zoo’s hornbill, Mayhem, to eat this week in observance of Valentine’s Day. At $5 a munch, along with additional donations, the zoo brought in $832.
This was the Little Rock Zoo’s first year getting in on a cockroach fundraiser, which are popular at zoos across the country for “Love Hornbills Day” on Feb. 13. Director Susan Altrui attributed the success of the fundraiser to Mayhem.
“He didn’t hesitate to crunch every cockroach given to him and ate all of his tasty treats,” she said.
The zoo posted a video of Mayhem chowing down on 10 of the named cockroaches on Monday. Because so many names ended up on this list of shame, only a select number were shown on video. You can watch it here. Mayhem went after the likes of West H., Taylor, Susan and “all the narcissistic men.”
Some donors really went in on reasons why Mayhem should eat their cockroach.
“This roach is too good to truly represent you, but it will have to do,” one donor wrote about their ex, “Greasy Greg.” “You tried to ruin me, but only slowed me down. Thanks for the therapy. Burn in Hell.”
Most donors listed their exes and foes with a first name and last initial, leaving some mystery intact (although we think we might have worked out the Sarah S. and Donald T. on the list). Others got a little more creative. Joining “Greasy Greg” was “Crazy Lisa,” “Weird Ted Bundy Doppelgänger,” “Mat with one ‘T’” and the lowest of low, “Stumpy and Pathetic Bob.”
Mayhem is a 25-year-old hornbill who was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He came to the Little Rock Zoo last year, and he is now part of the animal ambassador program that showcases animals in educational ways.
“Hornbills are amazing animals and protecting them in the wild is critical to our planet,” Altrui said. “The Little Rock Zoo loves being able to showcase how amazing these creatures are [and] do it in a fun, lighthearted way.”
The money raised will go toward enrichment for the zoo’s animals. This can include treats, furniture or craft supplies that stimulate the animals’ minds and bodies.