People left divided after zoo allows visitors to name cockroaches after exes

People have been left utterly divided after a zoo allows visitors to name cockroaches after their exes.

The San Antonio Zoo, based in Texas, is giving people the chance to try out a whole new kind of relationship closure by naming a roach after an ex before feeding it to an animal on Valentine's Day as part of their annual Cry Me a Cockroach fundraiser.

So - how on earth does this bizarre thing even work?

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Well, the stunt will set you back a little over £7 ($10) and the non-refundable donation goes towards helping the zoo in its 'mission of securing a future for wildlife'.

After making the donation and submitting the name of your ex, you will then be sent a digital Valentine’s Day card showing your support for the fundraiser.

And it's not just roaches on offer as any disgruntled lovers out there can also name a rodent or a veggie after an ex, which will likewise be fed to animals at the zoo.

The San Antonio Zoo's official website explains: "Be part of the global sensation and ex-terminate your past and support a noble cause with the Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser.

"Symbolically name a roach, rat, or veggie after your ex or not-so-special someone and San Antonio Zoo will help squash your past, a true heartbreak healer, by feeding your selection to an animal resident.

"This fundraiser received international attention last year, this year, it promises to be even more sensational."

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Some people loved the idea, with one Instagram user asking: "How do you sign up of this? Asking for a friend..."

"Can I just bring my ex instead?" joked a second.

A third chimed in: "This is very therapeutic."

"Whoever thought of this idea needs a raise," praised a fourth, while another quipped: "The unhinged petty behaviour I’m here for."

Others, however, flagged some concerns with the fundraiser.

"I believe the roaches deserve better..." wrote one critic.

A second penned: "I hate cockroaches but this is cruel."

"And insult the roach? It deserves better!" claimed a third. "They're innocent creatures, don't name them by your ex's."

Someone else hit out: "People need to move on this is just weird."

"What a way to deal with your own unhealed trauma. Torture another living creature. Wow," slammed another

"Not the cockroaches!" echoed a final Instagram user. "I don't love them but they deserve better."

Tyla has reached out to San Antonio Zoo for comment.