CALM ZOO Launches 3rd Annual Roses or Roaches Valentine’s Day Fundraiser

Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is back — and so are the roaches. For the third year, CALM Zoo is inviting the community to put a playful twist on Valentine’s Day with its popular Roses or Roaches fundraiser, offering residents a chance to dedicate either a traditional rose or a cockroach in someone’s name — all while supporting animal care and enrichment.

For $5, participants can choose whether to honor someone special with a rose or send a not-so-subtle message with a roach. The personalized dedications will be fed to CALM’s animals during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, with names shared on the zoo’s social media platforms on Feb. 14. The fundraiser runs through Feb. 11, with proceeds benefiting CALM Zoo’s Animal Enrichment Fund, which supports the physical and mental well-being of the animals.

Alongside the fundraiser, CALM Zoo is also offering a rare Valentine’s Day raffle prize: an exclusive VIP Mountain Lion Experience. For $25 per ticket, participants can enter for a chance to win a behind-the-scenes encounter for up to four guests, including private access to meet CALM’s mountain lions, a meet-and-greet with animal keepers, and a live training session in which one cougar creates a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork.

The VIP experience also includes a special cougar presentation, general admission to CALM Zoo, and unlimited CCCRR Train rides during a weekend visit. The experience will take place on Valentine’s Day or another mutually agreed-upon date with zoo staff, making it a once-a-year opportunity to get an up-close look at one of CALM Zoo’s most iconic species while directly supporting animal care efforts.

Roses or roaches — and raffle entries — can be purchased online through the zoo’s events page HERE.

General zoo admission on Valentine’s Day will follow normal rates: $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 3–12, and $9 for seniors. CALM members and military guests receive free admission.