This Zoo Marked Valentine’s Day by Letting Guests Name Dung After Their Exes
For Valentine’s Day, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore leaned into humor with a fundraiser called “Dollars for Dung.” For a small donation, starting at about $5, anyone could symbolically name a pile of animal dung after their ex. In return, donors received a digital certificate confirming their chosen name.
Behind the joke was a real purpose. The zoo cares for more than 1,000 animals, including endangered species, and the funds support daily animal care, habitat maintenance, and conservation programs. The campaign worked because it gave people a reason to smile while still supporting something that matters.
Why Valentine’s Campaigns Like This Work
Marketing tied to Valentine’s Day usually focuses on couples, gifts, and restaurant reservations. A large group feels left out or simply uninterested in romantic messaging, so they often respond better to humor-based campaigns in February.
This fundraiser taps into that cultural moment. Breakups, awkward dates, and messy relationships already dominate meme culture. A symbolic gesture tied to a joke lands well because it feels relatable and low-pressure. A five-dollar entry point also removes hesitation tied to larger donation asks.
It Sounds Wild, But It Is Not New
Wildlife groups have tested similar ideas over the last decade. Several zoos have allowed donors to name cockroaches, rodents, or feeder insects after someone for small donation amounts. Some programs even included video proof showing animals eating the named insects.
These programs tend to spike each Valentine season because they feel seasonal and culturally relevant. Social platforms amplify them quickly, and donations often come in small amounts, yet volume makes the difference.
Zoo funding models rely heavily on public support. Ticket sales alone rarely cover the costs of conservation research, veterinary care, and habitat design. Viral campaigns give zoos another revenue path that connects entertainment with real impact.
Past runs of similar campaigns have pulled in donations from dozens of countries. That global participation matters because conservation work often extends beyond a single state or country. Funds help support partnerships tied to animal survival programs worldwide. The certificate angle also helps because people like proof tied to participation. Posting the certificate turns donors into marketers, which keeps the campaign moving across social feeds.
Small Donations Are Important
Image via Canva/Iurii Maksymiv
Large corporate donations help zoos, but smaller public donations build stability. Thousands of five-dollar donations can cover food costs, enrichment materials, and medical supplies. Campaigns like this also introduce new donors to conservation groups. A person who joins for a joke donation might return later for memberships, event tickets, or larger conservation support.