Japanese zoo plans cockroach races to recast hated insect as our best friend

Zoo staff hope exhibition of hundreds of cockroaches will combat the insect's 'bad image' and prove they have an important role

A Japanese zoo is trying to improve the reputation of cockroaches through an exhibition on one of the world's most hated insects.

Staff at Shunanshi Tokuyama Zoo in Yamaguchi, western Japan say cockroaches perform an important role and do not deserve the loathing they often incite.