Chester Zoo has apologized after a computer error led to it advertising a "child predator tour" to view its big cats and other animals. The zoo quickly changed the name of the 90-minute electric bus tour after the wording drew criticism from visitors online.
A spokeswoman for the zoo stated that the error resulted from the system's default naming convention and was promptly rectified. The tour, priced at £25 for children and £30 for adults, was intended to offer visitors a close-up experience with animals such as Sumatran tigers, lions, rhinos, and Komodo dragons away from crowds.
The zoo's website described the tour as an opportunity to "Discover the predators of the animal kingdom, and their prey in our brand new guided tour." It also highlighted that visitors would be among the first to experience the zoo as they board an electric bus for an hour and a half of exclusive access, with expert guides sharing facts about the animals.
The mistaken advertisement was met with disbelief and mockery on social media. One commenter remarked, "I hope this has been cleared by Cheshire Police - seems a bit dangerous," while another questioned, "Staggering - how did that get approved?"