A three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a family zoo in Cambridgeshire was mauled by at least one of the animals, it has emerged. The toddler suffered serious injuries after ending up in the crocodile pit at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdon on Tuesday afternoon.
Rescue and Injuries
The boy was rescued after the zoo owner's wife, Tracey Johnson, 55, jumped into the 15-foot pit. He was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition. The child is believed to have suffered a broken arm and pelvis, though it is unclear which injuries resulted from the fall and which from the crocodile attack.
Arrest and Suspect
A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police believe he was not known to the child. He was released on bail after being deemed not fit for interview. The suspect, described as mentally disabled, reportedly broke away from his carers during an organized outing to the zoo.
Emergency Response
Emergency services were called to the farm attraction near St Ives at around 1:24 pm, with an air ambulance dispatched. A witness said she heard a loud scream before the zoo went quiet, and visitors were asked to leave. A white sheet was erected between the cafe and farm shop while medical crews treated the boy.
Zoo Statement
Johnsons of Old Hurst released a statement saying: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family. Out of respect to the family, our Tropical House will remain closed until further notice.' The rest of the site remains open.
Expert Analysis
Chris Newman, director at the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, who has visited the zoo, said the crocodiles are well-fed but would naturally bite down on something thrown into the water. He noted that the crocodile likely let go due to being well-fed, and that someone jumped in as well.
Police Investigation
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: 'Our enquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances. Our thoughts remain with the boy and his family, and specialist officers continue to support them.'
Crocodile Facts
- Crocodilians are found in tropical climates across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia.
- Saltwater crocodiles can grow largest and live up to 70 years.
- Their cells do not age biologically like humans, and elderly crocs can be as energetic as young ones.
- Crocs can swim extremely fast underwater using their powerful tails.
- They stalk victims and use ambush tactics near water's edge.
- Salties can stay submerged for up to eight hours by slowing their heart rate to 2-3 beats per minute.
- Their breath smells like raw sewage due to their diet of carcasses and scavenging.
