San Antonio, January 24, 2026
This Valentine’s Day, the San Antonio Zoo is set to host a range of fun and romantic events designed for couples and singles alike. With experiences including a candlelit dinner in the Hippo Viewing Cave, a lively singles mixer, and a quirky fundraiser, guests can enjoy an engaging atmosphere that reflects the spirit of community. The events emphasize personal connection and creativity, offering something unique for everyone looking to celebrate love and friendship this February.
Celebrate Love: San Antonio Zoo’s Unique Valentine’s Day Events
Experience romance and fun with exciting offerings this February!
San Antonio, Texas – This Valentine’s Day, the San Antonio Zoo is showcasing a unique blend of events that cater to both romantic couples and singles looking for an enjoyable night out. Local organizers have truly crafted a series of engaging activities that demonstrate resilience and creativity, enhancing the community’s vibrancy and spirit. With an array of options such as the “Wild at Heart” dining experience, the “Meet Your Next Ex” mixer, and the playful “Cry Me a Cockroach” fundraiser, there’s something for everyone.
As we navigate a world where personalized experiences are highly valued, these events emphasize how local leadership and individual initiative can foster community engagement. By reducing barriers and increasing opportunities for participation, San Antonio continues to thrive, reflecting the positive impacts of civic innovations and collaborative efforts.
Wild at Heart Dining Experience
Scheduled for February 14, 2026, the “Wild at Heart” dining experience offers a romantic evening exclusively for guests aged 21 and over. The evening kicks off with a cocktail mixer and appetizers at the Hippo Overlook and Patio, followed by a four-course dinner served in the enchanting Hippo Viewing Cave. Diners will enjoy a candlelit atmosphere next to the hippo habitat, featuring live musical entertainment. Two seating times are available—6:00 pm with a mixer beginning at 5:15 pm, and 8:00 pm with a mixer at 7:15 pm. Tickets are priced starting at $175 per person and require reservations.
Meet Your Next Ex Mixer
For singles eager to connect, the “Meet Your Next Ex” event provides a fun atmosphere on February 7, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. This adults-only mixer will encompass live entertainment, icebreaker games, a DJ dance party, and specialty drinks available for purchase. Upon entry, attendees will receive color-coded ribbons to signal their romantic preferences, creating an engaging and light-hearted way to mingle. Tickets to this vibrant event cost $35 per person.
Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser
The annual “Cry Me a Cockroach” fundraiser returns, giving participants the quirky opportunity to symbolically name a cockroach, rodent, or vegetable after an ex or someone not-so-special. These items will then be fed to one of the zoo’s animal residents. With donations starting at $5 for a cockroach or vegetable and $15 for a rodent, each submission includes a downloadable Valentine’s card and a special video featuring a beloved animal resident. Proceeds from the fundraiser support essential efforts in wildlife conservation, animal care, and education programs at the San Antonio Zoo.
Additional Valentine’s Day Offerings
- Hippo Love Candle: A delightful way to embrace the romantic spirit, this candle inspired by the zoo’s beloved hippo, Timothy, is available for purchase.
- Kiss-O-Grams: Send a playful message to your loved one with a downloadable video featuring a zoo resident’s charming kiss.
- Naughty By Nature Zoo Tour: This adults-only tour humorously explores the engaging mating rituals of various animal species, with tickets starting at $79 and a plush animal included for guests to take home.
To learn more about each event and secure your tickets, visit the San Antonio Zoo’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Wild at Heart” dining experience?
The “Wild at Heart” dining experience is a special Valentine’s Day event at the San Antonio Zoo, featuring a cocktail mixer, appetizers, and a four-course dinner near the hippo habitat, accompanied by live musical entertainment. The event is for guests aged 21 and over, with two seating times available on February 14, 2026. Tickets start at $175 per person, and reservations are required.
What is the “Meet Your Next Ex” mixer?
The “Meet Your Next Ex” mixer is an adults-only event at the San Antonio Zoo, designed for singles to connect and have fun. Scheduled for February 7, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the event includes live entertainment, icebreaker games, a DJ dance party, and more. Tickets are $35 per person, and guests will receive color-coded ribbons at check-in to signal their interest.
How does the “Cry Me a Cockroach” fundraiser work?
The “Cry Me a Cockroach” fundraiser allows participants to symbolically name a cockroach, rodent, or vegetable after an ex or not-so-special someone. These items are then fed to one of the zoo’s animal residents. Donations are $5 for a cockroach or vegetable, and $15 for a rodent. Each donation includes a downloadable Valentine’s Day card and a special Valentine’s Day video featuring one of the zoo’s popular animal residents. Funds raised support wildlife conservation, animal care, and education programs at the San Antonio Zoo.
What other Valentine’s Day offerings are available at the San Antonio Zoo?
In addition to the main events, the San Antonio Zoo offers several Valentine’s Day-themed items, including the Hippo Love Candle, Kiss-O-Grams featuring lovable zoo residents, and the “Naughty By Nature” Zoo Tour, an adults-only tour exploring the spicy, surprising, and downright hilarious ways wildlife finds love. Tickets for the tour start at $79 and include a cuddly animal plush to take home.
Key Features of San Antonio Zoo’s Valentine’s Day Events
| Event | Date | Description | Ticket Price | Age Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild at Heart Dining Experience | February 14, 2026 | Candlelit dinner near the hippo habitat with live music | Starting at $175 per person | 21 and over |
| Meet Your Next Ex Mixer | February 7, 2026 | Adults-only event with live entertainment and icebreaker games | $35 per person | 21 and over |
| Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser | Ongoing | Symbolically name a cockroach, rodent, or vegetable after an ex to be fed to zoo animals | $5 for a cockroach or vegetable, $15 for a rodent | 18 and over |
| Hippo Love Candle | Ongoing | Purchase a candle inspired by the zoo’s hippo, Timothy | $15.99 | All ages |
| Kiss-O-Grams | Ongoing | Send a video of a zoo resident “kissing” the camera to your special someone | Varies | All ages |
| Naughty By Nature Zoo Tour | Various dates in February | Adults-only tour exploring animal mating behaviors | Starting at $79 | 18 and over |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Morning Briefing: Key Updates for January 21
Upcoming Events Across Multiple Cities
Stars Hollow Valentine’s Event Welcomes Gilmore Girls Fans
San Antonio Zoo Brings Back ‘Cry Me a Cockroach’ Fundraiser
Body of Missing Teen Found in San Antonio
Galentine’s Day Event to Collect Dresses for Charities
Experience ‘Meet Your Next Ex’ at San Antonio Zoo This Valentine’s Day
Fundraiser Deep in the Heart of Texas Art Enriches Local Culture
San Antonio’s New Comedy Hub Rejuvenates Local Scene
San Antonio’s Newest Comedy Club Shines Light on Local Talent
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
