Fresh details have emerged regarding the rescue of a three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnson's of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon on Thursday, June 18. Police were called at 1:24 pm by the ambulance service after the boy sustained serious injuries inside the enclosure.
Rescue by Zoo Owner's Family
According to The Sunday Times, it was not just zoo owner Tracey Johnson who leapt into the enclosure, but also her husband Andrew and their son Edward, 29. Together, they wrestled the boy free from the crocodile and carried him to safety. Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, said: 'We mustn't underestimate how much of a difference Tracey made. She was first in there. She jumped in and dealt with an awful situation. She was then joined by her husband and son. It was a team effort.' Newman added: 'They are a resilient family but they are distraught. Their thoughts and concerns are for the child.'
Suspect Released on Bail
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, has been released on bail until September 18. Cambridgeshire Police stated he was 'not fit for interview' and is not known to the victim. Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: 'Our enquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.'
Boy's Condition
The three-year-old from Cambridgeshire remains at Addenbrooke's Hospital in a critical but stable condition. The boy may have avoided death or more severe injuries because the crocodile was raised on a diet of livestock offcuts and may not have identified the child as prey, the newspaper reported. The zoo's Tropical House remains closed out of respect for the victim's family.
