A three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo last month has undergone five operations and requires two further procedures, his family have revealed.
The toddler plunged 15 feet before being mauled by a crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on June 18. He was rescued and rushed to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge in critical condition. He is now stable but faces a lengthy recovery.
Family Statement on GoFundMe
In a statement published alongside a GoFundMe fundraiser, the family said they have been "living at the hospital" for two weeks. The boy has had five surgeries, with at least two more required, including nerve reconstruction in his arm.
"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," the statement read.
"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."
"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."
Details of the Incident
The boy landed on a concrete walkway, sustaining a broken arm and pelvis, before falling into the water. He was then attacked by either a saltwater or Nile crocodile. The zoo's owners described it as "one of the most distressing" incidents in their history.
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the boy "was pulled out by staff from the zoo." Joint-owner Tracey Johnson reportedly jumped into the enclosure to rescue the child.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was later bailed after being assessed as not fit for interview. He is believed to have learning difficulties and had been visiting with carers.
Zoo Owners' Response
Andy and Tracey Johnson, owners of Johnsons of Old Hurst, expressed gratitude to staff, emergency services, and visitors 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."
"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 Johnsons added: "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."
"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."
Cambridgeshire Police were contacted at 1:24 pm on June 18. The GoFundMe appeal has raised more than £25,000 as of publication.
