The parents of a three-year-old boy who was seriously injured inside a crocodile enclosure at Johnson's Zoo in Old Hurst, Huntingdonshire, have revealed they feared he would not survive. The incident occurred on June 18, and the toddler has remained in hospital ever since, undergoing multiple surgical procedures.
Seven Surgeries and a Nerve Graft
In an update posted on a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over £67,000, the parents disclosed that their son recently underwent his seventh operation. During this surgery, surgeons performed a nerve graft on his left arm, harvesting a nerve from his leg to replace a missing section. The success of the graft will not be known for several months. The parents stated: 'Over time, this nerve will hopefully embed and help our son to regain some function in his left hand.'
The Initial 12-Hour Surgery
Upon admission on June 18, the boy underwent a 12-hour operation. The parents described how surgeons 'performed miraculous things,' addressing tendon damage, nerve damage, blood vessel damage, broken bones, and severe tissue damage in both arms, neck, head, and face. They added: 'Those were the worst 12 hours of our lives as before that we were signing consent forms involving resuscitation and amputation.'
Recovery and Hope
Reflecting on the ordeal, the parents said: 'We were unsure if our son was going to make it and that was the worst feeling in the world. Four weeks later and the cheeky little boy that we love so much is talking to the nurses, playing using his feet and smiling again.' They expressed hope that the latest surgery would be the last for now, allowing them to go home soon. However, they acknowledged facing 'new challenges' in supporting their son's physical and psychological recovery, with both parents taking time off work.
Investigation and Arrest
The boy, from Cambridgeshire, was visiting the zoo with his family when the incident occurred. A man was arrested in connection with the incident but has learning disabilities and was on a trip with carers; he did not know the child. He was released on bail until September 18 and assessed as not fit for interview. Investigations into his care have been launched by the Care Quality Commission and Norfolk County Council.
