The owners of Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire have detailed their response after a three-year-old boy was allegedly thrown into a crocodile pit on June 18. The child remains in hospital in a stable condition with a suspected broken arm and pelvis.
Incident and Rescue
According to Cambridgeshire Police, a 30-year-old man with learning difficulties was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later bailed. The boy, visiting the zoo with his family, was seriously injured while inside the enclosure. Zoo staff responded within minutes of the first radio call, rescuing the child and providing first aid. Off-duty paramedics and police officers among visitors also assisted.
The Johnson family described it as 'one of the most distressing incidents in our history' and thanked the local community and people across the country for their overwhelming kindness.
Family and Police Statements
The boy's family expressed gratitude to zoo staff for rescuing their son, stating, 'Our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.' Police confirmed the child was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital and remains stable.
The Johnsons said they were 'immensely proud of our own staff, who responded without hesitation and did everything they could to help and support the child until emergency services took over.'
