The family of a three-year-old boy who was seriously injured in a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Cambridgeshire have expressed their gratitude to the staff who rescued their son. In a statement released through Cambridgeshire Police, the family said: "We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure. We are truly grateful for the public support and well-wishes we have received, as well as to everyone who has been directly involved in our son's care and recovery in hospital."
Incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst
The incident occurred on June 18 at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo. Police were called at 1:24pm by the ambulance service to reports that a three-year-old boy had suffered serious injuries. The boy was found in the crocodile enclosure and was pulled out by zoo staff. Co-owner Tracey Johnson reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child. The boy received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in a stable condition and faces a long road to recovery.
Arrest and Bail
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident. He was later bailed after police assessed him as not being fit for interview. The suspect reportedly has learning difficulties and had been on a trip with carers at the time of the incident.
Family's Focus on Recovery
The family's statement continued: "Our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time." A fundraising page has been set up to support the boy's recovery and rehabilitation, as well as to provide financial stability for the family while they support him in hospital. Any remaining funds will be donated to charities and organisations within the Addenbrooke's Trust.
