A three-year-old boy who was injured in a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire on June 18 is facing additional surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation, his parents have confirmed. The family has expressed gratitude to donors who have raised over £25,000 to support the boy's recovery and the family's expenses.
The parents revealed they have been "living at the hospital" since the incident, and their son has already undergone five surgeries. In an update on the fundraising page, they stated: "We are extremely grateful for everyone's generosity. We could never thank you enough for the support you have given our family in this horrible time." They added that the boy will need at least two more surgeries, and the past two weeks have been "a very uncertain and unsettling time."
Fundraising and Hospital Stay
The fundraising page, set up to aid the boy's recovery and provide financial stability for the family, has amassed more than £25,000. The parents noted that the money has been used to cover expenses while they are away from work, with the duration of their absence unknown. They said: "The donations have helped ease the pressure of these expenses so we are extremely grateful to everyone. Further donations will be used to support our son's rehabilitation and to give back to the hospital who have helped us in many ways during this challenging time."
Arrest and Investigation
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident but was later released on bail as police deemed him "not fit for interview." The suspect is reported to have learning difficulties and had been on an outing with carers. Police confirmed that the boy remains in a "stable condition" at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after being "injured by a crocodile" in the enclosure.
Zoo Response and Community Support
Johnsons of Old Hurst commended the "incredible speed and determination" of those who responded. In a social media post, the zoo stated they were alerted that a child had allegedly been thrown into a crocodile enclosure. "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 post read. The emergency services, including MAGPAS Air Ambulance, arrived quickly, and the zoo expressed gratitude for their professionalism.
The zoo also thanked visitors who helped, including off-duty paramedics and police officers, and praised their own staff for responding without hesitation. They said: "The kindness we have received from our local community and from people across the country has been overwhelming." The message concluded: "Above all, our thoughts remain with the young boy and his family. We continue to hope and pray for his speedy recovery."
Family Statement
In a statement released through police, the boy's family thanked the zoo staff who rescued their son. Cambridgeshire Police reported that the boy sustained serious injuries in the enclosure and was pulled out by zoo staff. Co-owner Tracey Johnson reportedly leapt into the enclosure to rescue the child.
