Eerie photographs show the near-deserted crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire, where a three-year-old boy was seriously injured earlier this summer. The incident occurred on June 18, when police were called to the family-run zoo following reports that the boy had ended up in the crocodile enclosure.
Quiet and Sombre Atmosphere
Dozens of families visited the zoo this week during the peak of the school holidays, but only a few ventured into the Tropical House, where the unnamed boy suffered serious injuries after being bitten by at least one crocodile. A visitor who spent ten minutes inside saw just one adult accompanied by a young child, believed to be around seven, while families with prams walked straight past.
Images and footage taken inside show the usually busy elevated walkways with safety fencing empty, and the atmosphere described as "quiet and sombre." Signage both inside and outside the Tropical House says children must be supervised at all times and warns against carrying them on shoulders or handrails. The building is home to multiple crocodile species, including Nile, Saltwater, and Siamese.
Incident Details
The visitor said the rest of the zoo, which includes a steakhouse, tea room, and shop, was busy with families. Police were called on June 18, and a 30-year-old man, believed to have learning difficulties and on a day out with his carers, was arrested but released on bail after being deemed not fit for interview.
Owner Tracey Johnson, 55, was hailed as a hero after she dashed into the crocodile pen to retrieve the boy despite the presence of at least two large Nile crocodiles. Chris Newman, 67, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, described Tracey as "a very courageous and brave lady."
Boy's Recovery
The boy, who has not been identified, is now stable following the incident but has been a patient at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge for around six weeks. His family has said the tot underwent a nerve graft on his left arm and they hope it will help him to regain function in his hand. They also revealed he had undergone a gruelling 12-hour surgery shortly after the incident, in which he suffered severe tissue damage in both his arms, neck, head, and face.
In a statement posted by the boy's grandmother, the family said: "We were unsure if our son was going to make it and that was the worst feeling in the world. The cheeky little boy that we love so much is talking to the nurses, playing using his feet and smiling again. We are amazed at how far he has come."
Inquiry and Support
Norfolk County Council has launched an inquiry under the Care Act 2014, although they did not provide any care for the man arrested. The Section 42 inquiry is a statutory safeguarding process to protect adults with care and support needs from abuse or neglect.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the boy's recovery and rehabilitation, as well as to provide the family with financial stability while they support him in hospital and throughout the coming months.
