A three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire on June 18 has undergone five surgeries and requires at least two more procedures, his family has revealed.
The child fell 15 feet onto a concrete pathway, sustaining a fractured arm and pelvis, before being attacked by either a saltwater or Nile crocodile. He was pulled to safety by zoo staff and transported to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge in critical condition. While now stable, his recovery remains uncertain.
Family's Statement and GoFundMe Campaign
In a statement shared alongside a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over £25,000, the family said: "We are extremely grateful for everyone's generosity. We could never thank you enough for the support you have given our family in this horrible time." They added: "We have been living at the hospital for 2 weeks now and our son has undergone 5 surgeries. At this moment in time we know that our son is to undergo at least two more surgeries, one of those surgeries being a nerve reconstruction in his arm."
The family expressed ongoing uncertainty about the extent of his injuries: "These last two weeks have been a very uncertain and unsettling time. This uncertainty remains as we still don't know the extent of his feeling, movement and function in both of his arms, wrists and hands. This will only be identified after casts and bandages are able to be removed and he can begin his rehabilitation journey. His rehabilitation journey is uncertain but we do know that it won't be a short process."
Arrest and Investigation
Cambridgeshire Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident. He was released on bail after being assessed as not fit for interview. The man is believed to have learning difficulties and had been visiting the zoo with carers.
Police confirmed the boy "was pulled out by staff from the zoo," with co-owner Tracey Johnson reportedly leaping into the enclosure to rescue the child.
Zoo Owners' Response
Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo owners Andy and Tracey Johnson broke their silence on the ordeal, thanking staff, emergency services, and bystanders for their quick actions. "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," they said in a statement. "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."
The Johnsons added: "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."
They concluded: "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."
