U.K. Zoo Bans Animal Print Clothing and Handbags

We know that animal prints can sometimes be frowned upon in a conservative office setting, but who knew they'd be taboo at a zoo? Yahoo News today reported on how the U.K.'s Chessington World of Adventures has banned visitors from wearing any type of animal print at its park -- and has even hired bouncers to kick out those who try to snake by. Why? Because, it seems, the animals get "confused." The new regulations were put in place after the launch of the zoo's new "ZUFARI: Ride Into Africa!" exhibit, which takes guests on a safari-like adventure that affords them a better chance of interacting with the zoo's wild animals. "The enclosures at ZUFARI have been designed to replicate the conditions species face in the wild, so it's no wonder the animals are getting confused when they see what they perceive to be zebras and giraffes driving across the terrain in a 7.5 (ton) truck," ZUFARI spokeswoman Natalie Dilloway tells the site. Banned prints include zebra, leopard, cheetah, tiger and giraffe, as well as African wild dog and spotted and striped hyena -- two prints we never even knew existed. We think it's safe to assume, however, that the recent red carpet trend of reptilian jewelry won't confuse anyone, except for maybe your snake-fearing three-year-old cousin. Not headed to a zoo anytime soon? Then have we got a few chic outfit choices for you...

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