This Valentine’s Day, HawkWatch International offers a unique way to express your feelings, whether they’re filled with love or…something else entirely. For a small fee, you can name a rodent after your ex (or anyone else who’s earned your ire) and watch one of HawkWatch’s Raptor Ambassadors enjoy a satisfying meal. For the less vindictive, there’s a love-themed gift bundle for your special someone.
HawkWatch International, established in 1986, is a non-profit organization dedicated to raptor conservation and research. They conduct educational programs and long-term monitoring of raptor populations worldwide. Raptors are birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, and owls, that primarily hunt and feed on other animals.
HawkWatch’s “The One Rat Got Away” promotion joins a trend of Valentine’s Day revenge offerings. Zoos and animal sanctuaries have previously allowed people to name insects and other creatures destined to become animal feed after their exes. The San Antonio Zoo’s “Cry Me a Cockroach” campaign, launched in 2020, gained significant viral attention. This year, the zoo expanded its offerings to include rats and vegetables for an even more diverse menu of playful malice.
However, if birds of prey capture your imagination, HawkWatch International is the perfect choice. For a mere $5, they’ll name a mouse or rat after your chosen target, which will then be fed to one of their rescued raptors used in their live educational programs. These birds are unable to return to the wild due to injuries or other circumstances. For a higher donation, you can receive photographic or video evidence of the feeding. The ultimate experience, at $60, includes a video call featuring you, the raptor, and the soon-to-be-devoured rodent. Those with a sensitive disposition can request “no gore” photos.
If you’re feeling more romantic, HawkWatch also offers the “Owl Always Love You Bundle” for $50. This gift supports the “Following Forest Owls” program and provides your loved one with a symbolic adoption of a Northern Saw-whet Owl. The bundle includes an 8×10 photo, a certificate detailing the adopted owl, a pin, and a Sibley’s Owls of North America pocket guide.
For those seeking rodent-based revenge, act quickly: the “The One Rat Got Away” promotion ends on February 13th.
