A wildlife park has apologised for any confusion caused by its April Fools post after people began visiting especially to see an extinct Irish elk, cloned from ancient bones.
Donegal based Wild Ireland made the apology five days after the joke which broke the news of the introduction of the Irish Elk.
It said: " We would like to apologise for any confusion or disappointment caused by our recent April fools post about the reintroduction of the Irish elk at Wild Ireland.
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"We understand that many of you were excited about the prospect of seeing this magnificent animal in our park, but unfortunately, it was just a prank. The Irish elk is extinct, and while we have seen great advancements in DNA technology, we are still far from seeing them back in the Irish landscape.
"We do have four other fantastic species of deer at Wild Ireland!
"Once again, we are sorry for any disappointment caused particularly to those that traveled any distance to come see “Torin”. We hope to see you soon at Wild Ireland"
The original post last Saturday, April Fools Day stated; " Breaking news! We're thrilled to announce the arrival of a very special guest to Wild Ireland - Torin the Irish Elk!
"Thanks to cutting-edge genetic technology, we've successfully cloned an Irish Elk from bones and antlers found in Lough Neagh. The magnificent creature will be joining our other arctic animals in the Ice Age Ireland area, including reindeer , Arctic fox and snowy owls. We can't wait for you to see this majestic beast up close and personal"
Owner of the sanctuary Killian McLoughlin said he was 'shocked' that so many had fallen for the April Fool joke
"I couldn't believe it. I felt I had to put up the apology to make it clear it was a joke after people were arriving here and asking to see the elk days after the post," he said
"People were travelling from all over and complaining they couldn't see it. When we explained the situation, thankfully they saw the funny side. They obviously just glanced at the post or else maybe were told about it and thought it was real.
"Apart from people coming here, we had people ringing us asking about the elk and some were really disappointed when they were told there was no elk. Others were asking if it was dangerous and what if it escaped.
"I had no idea people would take it so seriously. It's amazing what people believe on the internet, although a lot of people, even some of our staff, fell for it momentarily.
"One person commented on the post that April Fools Day was the only day that people actively had to think about what was really true or not and that's unbelievable in itself .
"DNA bringing back to life an animal that has been extinct for thousands of years is probably not beyond the realms of possibility but it is Jurassic Park stuff.
"There was a hint of truth in the post though. We are launching soon an Ice Age section including reindeer, arctic fox and snowy owls and it will contain a woolly mammoth's tooth and 15,000 year old elk fossils that were found in dredging in the North Sea but not a real live animal."
Wild Ireland offers sanctuary to many animals that have been exploited, abused and pushed to the point of extinction by man, including brown bears, Lynx, Wild Boar and Wolves.
Among the hundreds of comments under the apology post on Facebook were: "I would like to apologise to Wild Ireland for the fact that they had to issue this apology, you known on behalf of people who although have certainly evolved but remain quite stupid
Another said: "It goes to show you just how little people question things on social media while another poster added: "You don't need to apologise for a superb prank.
"Maybe people need to stop believing everything they read on Facebook. I thoroughly enjoyed and it was the best one I've seen in years. Can just imagine the faces of your staff when they were asked to show customers the Giant Elk. Perhaps you should rename yourselves Jurassic Ireland.
"Gosh for the day that was in it, most saw the fun. Feel sorry for people who are offended by everything these days. Life is short."
Meanwhile in Meath, a GAA club couldn't believe how many comments were deleted on their post after people realised its plans to roof the grounds was just an April Fool gag
"Our juvenile secretary Declan O'Reilly's head was broke cancelling matches over four weeks because the pitches weren't playable in all the rain," said PRO of Navan O'Mahony's Colin O'Brien
"So we put up a post to say we had got funding and were going to roof the grounds. No-one questions the fact that it would take millions of euro to do.
"Everyone thought it was great news but the amount of comments that were deleted just shows how many believed the plans and when they realised it was a joke, went back to delete their comments to avoid embarrassment
"It was a fun post but realistically, we have probably a better chance of the rain stopping than to get the millions needed to roof the grounds," he laughed.
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