Canadian breeder allows donors to feed rats named after exes
What's the story
In a one-of-a-kind fundraising effort, animal shelters and zoos across North America are giving people a chance to name dead rats after their exes/enemies.
One such initiative, the "No regRATS" campaign, spearheaded by a breeder in British Columbia, lets you do so for a donation of CAD5 (₹300).
The named rats are then fed to northern spotted owls, with donors getting a photo and video of it.
Conservation efforts
Campaign aims to support endangered owl population
The campaign aims to raise money for a breeding program to help the endangered northern spotted owl population.
The old-growth forests in south-west British Columbia had about 1,000 spotted owls before industrial logging started there. But they have disappeared recently, victims of habitat destruction.
Although the humorous approach is hard to resist, the initiative has faced backlash from some quarters, especially rat enthusiasts who argue it unfairly paints rats with a negative brush.
Program's defense
Breeding program defends initiative amid criticism
In the wake of the criticism, the breeding program has defended its initiative.
They argue that rodents are a natural part of the owls' diet and that the campaign is intended to be fun while raising necessary funds.
"They're going to be eating the rats anyway. We're just trying to have a little fun and fundraise so we can continue caring for the owls," it stated.
Widespread initiatives
Similar campaigns across North America
The "No regRATS" campaign isn't the only one of its kind. The Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage, Alaska, operates a similar "Love Hurts" fundraiser where donors can name a frozen dead rat to be fed to resident raptors.
This campaign has also been successful, raising over $18,000 and involving over 130 rats.
Laura Atwood, the center's executive director, says these fundraisers offer a cathartic outlet for people while supporting bird rehabilitation efforts.
Creative campaigns
Other unique fundraisers support animal care and conservation
In Minnesota, another fundraising effort lets donors name bugs after friends or foes.
Washington's Teri Scott participated in this campaign but named a rat instead of a bug due to personal superstitions.
The Memphis Zoo in Tennessee offers both romantic and revenge-themed options in its "Dating or Dumping" campaign.
For $10, participants can choose between a video of a red panda eating a grape or an elephant pooping with the message "Scent with Love."