QUIRKY WORLD...You’ve to kiss a lot of frogs, but scorpions too?

USA: Feeling the sting of rejection? The San Francisco Zoo is offering the chance to “adopt” a hissing cockroach or giant scorpion in honour of that special ex-someone for Valentine’s Day.

The zoo is highlighting two of its less desirable inhabitants through the adopt-an-animal programme that usually raises money for the care of more cuddly-looking creatures, such as penguins and pandas.

For $50 (€44) and up, donors can adopt a scorpion and have the zoo send a certificate and stuffed stinger to the person who inspired the adoption. The cockroach valentine that the zoo claims represents “the detritus of your love life” costs $25.