Full Breakdown
Wowcher’s Controversial Email After Crocodile Enclosure Incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst
6/22/2026, 12:55:11 AM
Crocodile Enclosure Incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst
On 18 June 2024, Cambridgeshire Police responded to Johnsons of Old Hurst after a three-year-old boy was thrown into a crocodile enclosure. He suffered injuries and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Owners Andy and Tracey Johnson entered the enclosure to rescue him. A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, deemed unfit for interview and released on bail until 18 September.
Zoo Background and Licensing
Johnsons of Old Hurst describes itself as a working farm and zoo with tropical gardens, housing 100 animals including crocodiles, lions and tigers. The Johnson family has managed crocodiles for decades, using them to process meat waste. The council renewed the zoo’s licence in 2024 and reported no prior safety incidents.
Chronology of Key Events
18 June 2024 – police receive the emergency call, the boy entered the enclosure, the suspect arrested and tropical house closed. 19 June – MP Ben Obese-Jecty and Mayor Paul Bristow issue statements. 20 June, ~15:15 – Wowcher sends an email titled “Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid.” Wowcher apologises and announces a review.
Official Statements & Responses
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said officers are speaking to witnesses and do not believe the suspect knew the child. The zoo expressed “thoughts and prayers” and kept the tropical house closed. MP Ben Obese-Jecty called the incident “hugely traumatic” and urged people not to speculate. Mayor Paul Bristow echoed the call for restraint. Commissioner Darryl Preston called it “truly horrific.” Wowcher’s spokesperson called the subject line “unacceptable,” and pledged a review of its safeguards.
Public Criticism & Opposition
Social-media users denounced the email as “seriously bad taste” and “disgusting marketing,” with filing complaints, unsubscribing from Wowcher’s mailing list and urging company to stop exploiting a child’s near-fatal injury.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.” — Det Insp Verity McCann, Cambridgeshire Police
- “This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online.” — MP Ben Obese-Jecty
- “Talk about seriously bad taste Wowcher - who on earth thought that this subject line was ok?!” — Social-media user (Twitter)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on whether the crocodiles actually bit the boy; some say the animal did not reach him, while others attribute his injuries to the fall. The suspect’s fitness for interview is described as “not fit for interview” and as having difficulties, yet no medical assessment has been released. Police have not disclosed how the child entered the enclosure, leaving the cause unresolved.
What’s Next
Cambridgeshire detectives continue to investigate the attempted-murder charge. The zoo’s tropical house stays closed pending safety reviews, and the environmental health team is assessing further inspections. Wowcher has launched an audit of its content-approval process and pledged to prevent similar errors.
