A 'genuine error' led to four disabled parking spaces at Chester Zoo being cordoned off - for a TV crew who were visiting the attraction to film a feature about the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
The spaces were out of action for a short period on Wednesday (August 5), sparking criticism on social media.
But Will Condliffe, a Chester Zoo spokesman, explained that the spaces had been mistakenly reserved and apologised to any inconvenienced visitors.
He said: "A genuine error led to the wrong four spaces in our main entrance car park being sectioned off for a short time on Wednesday and they were released as soon as this became apparent.
"The spaces were to help facilitate some filming for a daytime magazine show who asked if they could film the zoo for a one-off feature on disability and mental health, with a family from just outside Manchester focusing on the challenges of living with disabilities.
"There was no request made by the film crew to reserve the spaces. The spaces weren't used by the crew or the family as we'd already released them before they arrived.
"The zoo would like to apologies for any inconvenience caused."
