Wowcher has issued an unreserved apology after sending an email that appeared to mock a crocodile attack on a three-year-old boy, who remains in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. The incident occurred on Thursday at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire, where the boy was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure and attacked by at least one crocodile.
Email Subject Line Sparks Outrage
On Saturday, subscribers to the Wowcher e-commerce platform received an email promoting special deals on breaks and experiences. The subject line read: "Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid." The wording was widely condemned as distasteful and insensitive, given the severity of the attack.
Screenshots of the email circulated rapidly on social media and discussion forums, prompting an angry backlash. The Norwich Norfolk UK Community Notice Board posted: "Why do wowcher think its ok to use this as a heading on their emails? ?" One subscriber described themselves as "now unsubscribed," while another called it "disgusting" and added, "if that's real someone needs to be fired." Another customer wrote: "Emailed them back but no answer. Won't be using them again for sure, even if its a poor effort at a joke somehow."
Wowcher's Apology and Internal Review
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. 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. We are reviewing all scheduled marketing content while we urgently strengthen our 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."
Police Investigation and Arrest
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that a 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the boy was thrown into the enclosure. The man, who is reported to have learning difficulties and had been visiting the zoo with a carer, was assessed as not being fit for interview and has been released on bail until September 18.
Officers were called to the zoo at 1.24pm on Thursday following reports that the boy, who was unknown to the man, had sustained serious injuries. Police stated that the boy "sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure" and "was pulled out by staff from the zoo." Tracey Johnson, the wife of the zoo's owner, reportedly leapt into the enclosure to rescue the child. The boy received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital.
Ongoing Inquiry
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: "Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts remain with the boy and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time."
