Wowcher has issued an apology for sending a 'disgusting' marketing email just days after a three-year-old boy was thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The mass email, sent to millions of customers, featured the subject line: 'Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid!' The email advertised an Oceana inflatable kayak ride for two and a spa experience at a four-star Hampshire hotel.
Incident Details
The toddler suffered serious injuries after being thrown 15 feet into a crocodile pit at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo on Thursday afternoon. He landed on concrete, breaking his arm and pelvis. Tracey Johnson, 55, the zoo owner's wife, jumped into the reptile pit to rescue him. The child was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital and remains in a critical but stable condition.
Wowcher's Apology
In a statement, a Wowcher spokesperson 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.' The spokesperson added: 'The responsibility sits with us, and we are urgently reviewing how our processes failed. We recognise the hurt and distress it has caused, particularly for the young child's family at this unimaginably difficult time.' The company is reviewing all scheduled marketing content and will 'urgently strengthen creative, approval, and sign-off safeguards'. 'There is no excuse for this. We apologise unreservedly and will take the necessary steps to make sure this does not happen again.'
Public Reaction
Social media users branded the email 'appalling' and 'shocking'. Kerry Pealing asked on Facebook: 'Jesus what made them think that was ok!' Caroline Birchall said: 'I am utterly disgusted with their post. Someone should be sacked!'
Suspect and Carers
A 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder has been released on bail until September. He is believed to be a vulnerable adult with serious learning difficulties, accompanied by two carers at the zoo. The suspect, who reportedly has hearing difficulties, was 'metres away' from the carers when he grabbed the toddler. A source told The Sun that the carers were allegedly 'on their phones' and 'weren't paying him much attention' as they chatted. Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, said: 'The role of the carers needs to be looked at.' He praised the zoo owners, stating: 'There is nothing more that the zoo owners could have done.'
Police Investigation
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: 'Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.' Police are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing staff and witnesses.
