Johnsons of Old Hurst, a zoo in Cambridgeshire, has fully reopened its Tropical House to visitors just nine days after a three-year-old boy was allegedly thrown into the crocodile enclosure and attacked. The zoo announced the reopening in a Facebook post on Saturday, stating: "Public announcement: as of this weekend, our site will be fully open, thank you."
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on June 20, 2026, when the three-year-old boy from Cambridgeshire was visiting the zoo with his family. Police believe he was thrown into the enclosure by a 30-year-old man from Norfolk, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later released on bail. The boy suffered serious injuries after being attacked by at least one crocodile before zoo staff rescued him. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. According to Cambridgeshire Police, the boy is no longer critically ill and is in a stable condition.
Police Investigation and Suspect
Police have stated that the suspect was not known to the child and is believed to have learning disabilities. He had been visiting the zoo with carers at the time of the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect remains on bail.
Zoo Staff Heroism
Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, told the BBC that he spoke with the Johnson family after the incident. He described the family as "all very distraught" but praised their heroic actions. Zoo owners Tracey and Andy Johnson, along with their youngest son, were involved in rescuing the boy. Newman said: "All three were heroes... they're a close-knit family and they're still quite shaken by it."
Public Support and Reopening
The zoo's reopening announcement received widespread support online. Many visitors expressed their thoughts and prayers for the injured boy while praising the zoo. One woman wrote: "First of all, our thoughts and prayers are with the youngster involved, their family and friends and anyone who witnessed what happened. Wishing the little one a speedy recovery. Secondly, Johnson's of Old Hurst, you're an amazing little zoo. We have been bringing our kids here since they were v.v.little, they are now 13yrs and 18yrs and they love it more and more." Another visitor commented: "I'm so pleased to hear this whilst thoughts our first and foremost with the little boy who was injured, however this in now way reflects on you as a business or a family." A third added: "Best reptile house I've ever been to - the Amazonian rain forest type planting in the centre is wonderful - and to get such aerial views of the crocs is fascinating."
About the Zoo
Johnsons of Old Hurst, located in the village of Old Hurst north of Huntingdon, is home to more than 100 animals, including lions and tigers. The Tropical House, built in 2009, houses several crocodilian species such as Nile crocodiles, broad-snouted caiman, and American alligators. Visitors view the animals from elevated walkways protected by metal fencing. The fully licensed attraction also features a farm, café, and butcher's shop, which opened 20 years ago.
