A three-year-old boy who suffered severe injuries in a crocodile pit at a zoo in Cambridgeshire has undergone six surgeries and faces months of recovery, his parents have revealed. The toddler is being treated at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after the attack on June 18 at Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon.
Six Surgeries and Skin Grafts
In a statement on a GoFundMe page, the boy's parents said: 'We are still at the hospital and our son had his sixth surgery on Tuesday. The surgery was a success. A week ago, the surgeons had to do a skin graft in two places on his left arm. In this week's surgery they confirmed that the grafts had taken and they were starting to heal. They were also able to look at all of his external wounds and are happy with the way that they are healing.'
The boy, who has not been named, suffered a broken arm and pelvis in the attack. The zoo's owners, Andy and Tracey Johnson and their son Edward, heroically jumped into the crocodile enclosure to rescue him.
Limited Finger Movement
Three weeks after the incident, the boy still has 'little movement in three of his left fingers and no movement in his right fingers,' according to his family. They added that he is finally smiling again. The parents said: 'This is all positive news and has really lifted our spirits. A special thank you goes to all the amazing people who work at Addenbrooke's hospital. They have done so much to make our little boy smile including dressing up as his favourite super heroes. This has been a relief for us to see - our boy being happy again.'
Nerve Damage and Long Road Ahead
Despite the progress, the parents acknowledged the challenges ahead: 'Although the external wounds are healing nicely, the nerve and tendon damage still brings uncertainty. Currently he has little movement in three of his left fingers and no movement in his right fingers. We spoke to the surgeons today and his nerves will take months to heal and recover before we are even able to tell what function he truly has. We are optimistic but know it is a long journey ahead.'
Fundraiser and Arrest
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but has been released on bail until September 18 after being ruled unfit to be interviewed. The online fundraiser, set up to support the boy's physical and psychological recovery, has raised over £62,000. The parents expressed gratitude: 'Thank you again for everyone's generosity. We are blown away by the support we have received. A special thank you to the young girl and her grandmother who sent him a superhero costume today. He really is our little superhero and he has been so brave and resilient the past three weeks.'
