Wowcher Apologises for "Unacceptable" Crocodile Attack Email Referencing Child's Injuries
Discount website Wowcher has apologised for a marketing email that appeared to reference a crocodile attack involving a three-year-old boy at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The child was reportedly attacked after entering a crocodile enclosure during a family visit on Thursday.
The email, distributed to Wowcher customers on Saturday, contained a list of travel deals and activities under the subject line: "Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid!" Screenshots of the email circulated rapidly across social media platforms, drawing immediate and widespread criticism.
Wowcher subsequently released a statement expressing extreme regret for the "unacceptable" wording. The firm stated, "It should never have been written, it was never approved for use. The responsibility sits with us and we are urgently reviewing how our processes failed." The company acknowledged the "hurt and distress it has caused, particularly for the young child's family at this unimaginably difficult time."
The boy, who sustained serious injuries, was rescued from the enclosure by zoo staff and is currently in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital. Following the incident, a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later released on bail due to being "unfit for interview." Police confirmed they were called to the zoo on Thursday afternoon, stating the boy was not known to the arrested man.
In response to the email, customers voiced their disapproval, with one stating they had "now unsubscribed" from Wowcher's communications, and another condemning the message as "disgusting." Wowcher affirmed it is reviewing all upcoming marketing content and strengthening its creative, approval, and sign-off safeguards to prevent similar occurrences.
