The wife of a zoo owner reportedly jumped into a crocodile enclosure to save a three-year-old boy after a stranger allegedly threw him into it. Tracey Johnson is believed to have helped rescue the boy, who suffered serious injuries but is now in a stable condition in hospital, according to reports.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The suspect is said to have been on a day trip at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon when the incident occurred before 1:30 pm. Police have stated that they do not believe the pair are known to each other.
In a statement on social media, Johnsons of Old Hurst announced that the Tropical House will remain closed until further notice. The statement read: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today. Out of respect to the family, our Tropical House will remain closed until further notice. If you have any questions about the incident, please direct enquiries to Cambridgeshire Police Constabulary. The rest of the site will remain open as normal. Thank you.”
Detective Inspector Verity McCann from Cambridgeshire Police said: “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances. We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other. Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them.”
Mike Annicelli, 52, who lives close to the zoo, said he had previously visited the attraction and felt safe. Describing the crocodile enclosure, he said: “Everything is elevated, you’re far away from the animals.” He noted there was a raised platform and estimated the crocodiles were about 15 feet below, with fencing along walkways around 4 feet high.
A force spokesperson confirmed: “The boy has been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and is critical but stable. Specially-trained officers are at the hospital supporting the boy’s family. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.”
