Key facts
- Wowcher sent a marketing email with the subject line: "Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid!"
- The email's subject line referenced a crocodile attack on a toddler.
- Wowcher has apologized for the "unacceptable" wording, stating it was never approved.
- The company is urgently reviewing its marketing content and approval processes.
- A three-year-old child was seriously injured in a real crocodile attack at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo.
Discount voucher website Wowcher has issued an apology after a marketing email sent to customers contained a subject line that appeared to reference a crocodile attack on a toddler. The email's subject read: "Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid!"
The incident follows a real event on Thursday where a three-year-old boy was attacked by crocodiles after entering their enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The boy was rescued by zoo staff and is currently in critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
Screenshots of the Wowcher email were shared widely on social media, drawing significant criticism. Wowcher stated that the wording was "unacceptable" and "should never have been written" nor approved for use. The company acknowledged the hurt and distress caused, particularly to the child's family.
Wowcher is currently reviewing all scheduled marketing content and strengthening its creative, approval, and sign-off safeguards. The firm has apologized unreservedly and committed to taking steps to prevent recurrence. In relation to the zoo incident, a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was later bailed due to being unfit for interview.