Chessington Zoo bans animal prints because they confuse the lions and tigers
1.10.2013

Chessington World of Adventures Resort introduced the zero-tolerance policy on animal print and brought in bouncers to enforce it.

Zookeepers noticed the trend for animal print clothing had caused animals to try to communicate with those wearing it or to run away in fear.

The ban follows the launch of a new experience 'ZUFARI: Ride Into Africa!', which sees visitors journey off-road on a safari adventure.

In this they come face-to-face with white rhinos, giraffes, flamingos, waterbuck and other antelopes such as blesbok.

Since the launch of the 22-acre Serengeti-style trail, Chessington's zookeepers have noticed the wildlife 'becoming puzzled' when spotting visitors that look like them.

ZUFARI spokeswoman Natalie Dilloway said: "ZUFARI lets visitors get so close to wild species that if someone wears the same pattern to the animal's coat they can become over friendly.

"If they wear the pattern of its predator, it has the opposite effect and the animals become afraid and run away."

Animal print-wearing visitors will be handed grey boiler suits and ordered to wear them everywhere in the park so as not to antagonise or excite other animals including lions and tigers.

The resort has hired Animal Print Bouncers to identify anyone wearing leggings, coats, tops, hats or dresses which flout the regulations.

Banned prints at Chessington World of Adventures Resort include:

– Zebra – Giraffe – Leopard – Cheetah – Tiger – Spotted Hyena – Striped Hyena – African Wild Dog

Ms Dilloway added: "Since the launch of ZUFARI, guests have interacted with the animals more closely than ever before.

"We have noticed a lot of animals becoming baffled by animal-print-wearing guests.

"The enclosures at ZUFARI have been designed to replicate the conditions species face in the wild.

"Therefore it's no wonder animals are getting confused when they see what looks like zebras and giraffes driving across the terrain in a 7.5 tonne truck.

"We kindly ask guests to refrain from wearing animal print at the park."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk