A three-year-old boy seriously injured after entering a crocodile enclosure at a UK zoo has undergone his seventh operation, his family has confirmed. The incident occurred on June 18 at Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, leading to multiple surgeries and a fundraising campaign that has raised over £64,500.
Nerve Graft Surgery Performed
In a GoFundMe update, the family revealed that the boy underwent a major procedure at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. “In that surgery the surgeons completed a nerve graft on his left arm. They took a nerve from his leg to replace part of the nerve that was missing in his left arm,” the family wrote. “Over time, this nerve will hopefully embed and help our son to regain some function in his left hand. We won't know whether the nerve graft has been successful until tests can be carried out in a few months time.”
Fundraising and Recovery
The fundraising page noted that the boy's condition “is now stable, but he faces a long road to recovery.” It added: “His parents are currently by his side in hospital, supporting him through both immediate and ongoing care physically and psychologically.” The appeal, set up by the boy's grandmother, has so far raised £64,542. “Every donation, no matter the size, will support the family by giving them the financial stability they need as they navigate through this difficult time. It will also support their son's further recovery and rehabilitation in the upcoming months and years ahead,” the family said.
Police Investigation
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that a 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and released on bail until September 18. Authorities stated he was “assessed as not being fit for interview.”
Zoo Incident and Response
Andy and Tracey Johnson, owners of Johnsons of Old Hurst, described the incident as “one of the most distressing” their family and staff had ever experienced. Following the incident, the Tropical House and farm shop, including the crocodile enclosure, were temporarily closed “out of respect to the family.” Mrs Johnson reportedly jumped into the enclosure to rescue the child. The attraction has since fully reopened.
In a statement, the venue said: “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. 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.”
