A three-year-old boy was seriously injured after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Cambridgeshire, leading to the arrest of a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. The incident occurred at Johnson's of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire on Thursday afternoon.
Heroic Rescue by Zoo Owner's Wife
According to local residents, the zoo owner's wife, Tracey Johnson, bravely jumped into the crocodile enclosure to rescue the boy. One anonymous resident told the Press Association that she pulled the youngster to safety. Another resident confirmed to The Sun: "Apparently, the wife of the zoo owner, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to the enclosure to save the child."
Police Investigation Underway
Cambridgeshire Police were called at around 1:24 pm on Thursday to reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy who ended up in the crocodile enclosure. The boy was rushed to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition. The arrested man, from Norfolk, is not believed to be known to the child. Detective Inspector Verity McCann stated: "We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other." Officers are supporting the boy's family at the hospital.
Zoo Response and Community Reaction
Johnson's Zoo announced on social media that the Tropical House would remain closed until further notice out of respect to the family. They expressed their thoughts and prayers for the boy and his family. Emergency services, including an ambulance, rapid response vehicle, and air ambulance, were dispatched to the scene. A uniformed police officer was stationed at the entrance, and a marked police vehicle was in the car park.
Local resident Mike Annicelli, 52, described the crocodile habitat as having a raised platform with fencing about 4 feet tall, noting that visitors are far away from the animals. Councillor Charlotte Lowe expressed shock, saying: "I can't fathom how it's happened because they've got all the right protection and safety equipment." MP Ben Obese-Jecty urged the public to refrain from speculation as the investigation is ongoing.
Background on the Zoo
Johnson's of Old Hurst is situated along a country lane and houses over 100 creatures, including lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras, and meerkats. The crocodiles are kept in a tropical house within a refurbished cattle shed. The zoo's website notes that the Johnson family has worked with crocodiles for 20 years, and owner Andy Johnson contributed to a European dossier on crocodilian welfare.
The incident has shocked the local community, with Alastair Torrance, deputy chairman of Old Hurst Parish Council, expressing his sympathy for the family. Huntingdonshire District Council confirmed they are working closely with police and urged the public not to speculate while inquiries continue.
