The parents of a three-year-old boy who was attacked by a crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on June 18 have provided a heartbreaking update following his seventh surgery. The toddler fell 15 feet into the enclosure before being attacked, and has now been in hospital for more than a month.
Seventh Surgery and Nerve Graft
In a post on the GoFundMe page, which has raised over £67,000 to support the family, the parents revealed that surgeons completed a nerve graft on his left arm during the seventh operation. They harvested a nerve from his leg to replace part of the nerve that was missing in his left arm. The parents explained: “Over time, this nerve will hopefully embed and help our son to regain some function in his left hand. We won’t know whether the nerve graft has been successful until tests can be carried out in a few months time.”
Life-Threatening Injuries and Recovery
The parents described the initial 12-hour surgery on June 18 as “miraculous,” with surgeons addressing tendon damage, nerve damage, blood vessel damage, broken bones, and severe tissue damage in both arms, neck, head, and face. They recalled: “Those were the worst 12 hours of our lives as before that we were signing consent forms involving resuscitation and amputation.” The parents added: “We were unsure if our son was going to make it and that was the worst feeling in the world.”
Four weeks later, the boy is talking to nurses, playing using his feet, and smiling again. The parents expressed amazement at his progress, stating: “We are not at the end of our journey but are hopeful that the surgery will be the last for now which means if everything goes well we will be able to go home soon.”
Future Challenges and Gratitude
Once home, the family faces new challenges in helping their son recover physically and psychologically. Both parents are taking time off work to support him during rehabilitation. They said: “We don’t know what recovery and rehabilitation looks like at this moment in time but we know our son needs us more than ever.” The parents concluded: “Thank you again for all your well wishes and support during this difficult time. We are forever grateful that you have all helped us to stay by our son’s side every step of the way.”
