The parents of a three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile pit at a Cambridgeshire zoo have provided an update on his condition, revealing he faces months of recovery after a sixth operation and skin grafts.
Boy Stable After Six Surgeries
The toddler remains in a stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, three weeks after the incident on June 18 at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon. He was attacked by at least one crocodile after being thrown into the enclosure. His family said he still has "little movement in three of his left fingers and no movement in his right fingers," but noted he was finally smiling again.
In a message posted on a GoFundMe page, his parents wrote: "We are still at the hospital, and our son had his sixth surgery on Tuesday. The surgery was a success." They added that a week earlier, surgeons performed skin grafts on his left arm, and in the latest surgery confirmed the grafts had taken and were healing.
Positive Progress and Gratitude
The parents expressed relief, saying: "They were also able to look at all of his external wounds and are happy with the way that they are healing. This is all positive news and has really lifted our spirits." They thanked hospital staff, including those who dressed as superheroes to cheer up their son. "This has been a relief for us to see - our boy being happy again," they said.
The boy, who has not been named, suffered a broken arm and pelvis in the attack. Tracey Johnson, owner of the zoo, was among the first to jump into the enclosure to rescue him, followed by her husband Andrew and their son Edward.
Suspect and Fundraising
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later released on bail until September 18. He reportedly has severe learning difficulties and was being chaperoned by carers when he allegedly threw the boy over a 4ft barrier into the 15ft deep enclosure. He was deemed unfit to be interviewed.
The online fundraiser, set up by the boy's grandmother, has raised nearly £63,000 to support the family and the boy's physical and psychological recovery. The parents wrote: "Thank you again for everyone's generosity. We are blown away by the support we have received."
Long Road Ahead
While celebrating small victories, the parents acknowledged the challenges ahead. "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." They added: "We are optimistic but know it is a long journey ahead."
Meanwhile, Addenbrooke's Hospital is under investigation after the boy's medical records were accessed by 40 staff members. Cambridge University Hospitals has referred itself to the Information Commissioner's Office to determine whether staff had legitimate reasons to view the records.
