Incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo
A three-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on June 18. The zoo co-owner, Tracey Johnson, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to rescue the child.
The boy was attacked by at least one crocodile and has undergone five surgeries. He remains at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge in a stable condition, according to Cambridgeshire Police.
Arrest and Suspect
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later bailed. Police stated he was assessed as not fit for interview. The suspect reportedly has learning difficulties and was on a trip with carers; he is not believed to have known the child.
Investigation and Council Response
Norfolk County Council confirmed that a Section 42 inquiry under the Care Act 2014 has been launched. A spokesperson said: “The individual in question is not receiving any care provided, commissioned nor paid for by Norfolk County Council. We can confirm that a Section 42 inquiry is underway. We’re unable to comment further on an ongoing inquiry.”
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) stated it is conducting an assessment of the related registered provider.
Zoo Statement and Reopening
The zoo temporarily closed the Tropical House, which includes the crocodile area, out of respect to the family. It has since fully reopened. In a social media post, the zoo said they were “alerted to reports that a child had allegedly been thrown into one of our crocodile enclosures” on June 18.
The boy's parents said they have been “living at the hospital” and that their son has undergone five surgeries after the attack.
