
The Tokuyama Zoo in Yamaguchi Prefecture has come up with a novel way to attract visitors this summer. And by novel, I mean probably insane. Would you buy tickets for a Cockroach Fest?
Twitter user @tomo04_yyy spotted this flyer advertising an upcoming event at the zoo, which he posted with the comment, “Huh? Have you lost your mind, Tokuyama Zoo?”
https://twitter.com/tomo04_yyy/status/621132290639441920The zoo’s website doesn’t yet have any information on the event, but according to the flyer, Cockroach Fest will be held from July 18 to the end of August. It will feature cockroaches from around the world, cockroach races, a cockroach encounter (!), demonstrations on how to use roach motels, and an appearance by a cockroach yuru-kyara. What fun!
The flyer goes on to ask, “Is this the summer your image of cockroaches changes?!”
No, Tokuyama Zoo, no, it is not. I’m pretty happy considering cockroaches to be vermin, whatever their evolutionary superpowers may be. And I’m not alone in that sentiment, if comments on the tweet are an indication.
“What the hell?”
“I don’t think there are many people who want to go to the zoo to see cockroaches. LOL!”
“Cockroaches? My dog says he’s interested.”
“Even if kids wanted to go, I feel like the moms of the world would strongly refuse.”
But maybe we are being too harsh. There were also commenters that expressed an interest in Cockroach Fest. To each their own, I guess.
What do you think, Rocketeers? If you happened to be in Tokuyama this summer, would you want to go hang out with some cockroaches?
Top image: Public Domain Pictures

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