The owners of Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire have spoken publicly for the first time since a three-year-old boy was mauled by a crocodile on June 18. Andy and Tracey Johnson released a statement nearly two weeks after the incident, which left the youngster with life-changing injuries. The child suffered a broken arm and pelvis after falling approximately 15 feet onto a concrete walkway before ending up in the crocodile enclosure’s water. He remains at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he is being treated. Police have said the boy is in a stable condition but faces a lengthy recovery.
Incident Details and Arrest
It is believed the youngster was bitten by either a saltwater crocodile or a Nile crocodile during the ordeal, according to The Sun. Following the incident, a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder before later being released from custody. Police said the suspect was not fit to be interviewed and confirmed he has since been bailed until September 18. Locals have claimed the man, who is not known to the child, is "mentally disabled" and had been visiting the zoo as part of a day trip.
Statement from Zoo Owners
Breaking their silence, Andy and Tracey Johnson said: "A fortnight ago, our family and team at Johnsons of Old Hurst experienced one of the most distressing incidents in our history. We were alerted to reports that a child had allegedly been thrown into one of our crocodile enclosures in the Tropical House. Everyone who was on site that day acted with incredible speed and determination. Within minutes of the first radio call, the child had been rescued from the enclosure and was receiving first aid. The emergency services arrived very quickly, supported by the MAGPAS Air Ambulance, and we cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in such difficult circumstances. We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the visitors who stepped forward to help, including off-duty paramedics and police officers, whose calm and immediate actions made a real difference. We are immensely proud of our own staff, who responded without hesitation and did everything they could to help and support the child until the emergency services took over. The kindness we have received from our local community and from people across the country has been overwhelming. Every message of support, every kind word and every expression of concern has meant a great deal to our family and our team during an incredibly difficult time. Thank you for standing with us. Above all, our thoughts remain with the young boy and his family. We continue to hope and pray for his speedy recovery and ask that they are given the privacy, compassion and support they need at this time."
Witness Accounts and Safety Measures
According to a local resident, the suspect had reportedly been accompanied by at least two carers, but they were not watching him when the child was allegedly thrown over the 4-foot fence surrounding the crocodile enclosure. Tracey Johnson, the zoo owner's wife, is said to have immediately rushed to the scene, climbed over the barrier and heroically rescued the boy from further danger without hesitation. The crocodile enclosure, which reportedly houses at least 15 reptiles, is understood to have extensive safety measures in place. A reptile expert said a child could only have entered the enclosure if they had been deliberately thrown inside. The expert described Johnsons of Old Hurst as "a fantastic zoo" where "public safety is a huge part" of the operation. Among the zoo's best-known attractions are its Nile crocodiles, which are capable of growing up to 16 feet in length.
Police Statement
At the time, a spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: "A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, has been released on bail while detectives from our Major Crime Unit conduct further enquiries regarding this incident. The man, who is not known to the victim, was assessed as not being fit for interview."
