Wowcher apologises for ‘unacceptable’ crocodile email after boy’s zoo attack
Wowcher has apologized “unreservedly” for “unacceptable” language in an email mocking a crocodile attack on a three-year-old boy at the zoo.
The child is in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge following the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire on Thursday.
It appears that he was attacked by at least one crocodile after he was allegedly thrown into a crocodile sanctuary.
On Saturday, customers of e-commerce site Wowcher opened an email encouraging them to check out “exclusive deals” on getaways and activities. The title of this email was: “Seize these opportunities faster than an alligator can capture a child.”
Anger grew after screenshots of the email were shared on social media platforms and bulletin boards.
The Norwich Norfolk UK Community Bulletin Board posted: “Why does Wotcher think it’s okay to use this as a title in his emails?”
One customer described herself as “unsubscribed now,” while another condemned it as “disgusting” and added “someone needs to be fired if this is real.”
Another customer wrote: “I emailed them but received no response. I will definitely not use them again, even if it was a poor attempt to make a joke in some way.”
A spokesperson for Wowcher said: “We are extremely sorry for an email subject line sent by Wowcher yesterday. The wording was unacceptable. It should never have been written. It was never approved for use. We take responsibility and are urgently reviewing how our processes failed.”
He added: “We recognize the pain and distress this has caused, particularly for the young child’s family, at this unimaginably difficult time. We are reviewing all planned marketing content while urgently strengthening our creative, approval and signature protections. There is no excuse for this. We apologize unreservedly and will take the necessary steps to ensure this does not happen again.”
A 30-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the child entered a closed area, reportedly had learning disabilities and was traveling with a babysitter.
Cambridgeshire Police said the man arrested from Norfolk was “assessed unfit for interview”.
He was released on bail until September 18.
Police were called to the zoo by the ambulance service at 13:24 on Thursday after reports that a child the man did not know was seriously injured.
Cambridgeshire Police said the boy was “seriously injured in the enclosure” and was “removed by zoo staff”.
Tracey Johnson, the zoo owner’s wife, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.
Police said the child was treated at the scene before being taken to the hospital.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann previously said: “Our investigations continue as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts are with the boy and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”
