New details have emerged about the dramatic rescue of a three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnson's of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire on June 18. The boy remains in critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke's hospital.
Rescue by Zoo Owners and Son
According to The Sunday Times, it was not only zoo owner Tracey Johnson but also her husband Andrew and their son Edward, 29, who jumped into the enclosure to save the child. Andrew entered shortly after Tracey, followed by Edward. Together, they wrestled the boy free from the crocodile and lifted him to safety.
Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, spoke with the Johnson family on Friday evening. "We mustn't underestimate how much of a difference Tracey made," he said. "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."
Incident Details
Police were called to the zoo near Huntingdon at 1:24 pm on Thursday, June 18, following reports that a three-year-old boy had sustained serious injuries while inside the crocodile enclosure. Zoo staff extracted the child and provided emergency care at the scene before he was taken to hospital.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, who is not known to the child, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He was released on bail after being deemed "not fit for interview" by Cambridgeshire Police. The man is on bail until September 18.
Possible Reason for Survival
The publication also disclosed that the boy may have avoided death or more severe harm because the crocodile that attacked him had been consuming a diet of livestock offcuts, potentially preventing it from identifying the child as prey.
Zoo Response and Community Support
In a Facebook statement, the zoo's management confirmed the Tropical House would remain closed as a mark of respect to the victim's family. The local community has shown solidarity with Tracey and her team.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann stated: "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."
