Boy's Condition and Family Update
A three-year-old boy who was seriously injured after being allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst farm and zoo in Cambridgeshire has undergone five surgeries and faces a long rehabilitation journey. His family provided the update on a fundraising page that has raised more than £25,000 to support his recovery and provide financial stability.
The parents said in a statement: "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: "We have been living at the hospital for two weeks now and our son has undergone five surgeries." They noted that at least two more surgeries are required, describing the past two weeks as "a very uncertain and unsettling time."
Rehabilitation and Financial Support
The family explained that the boy's rehabilitation journey is uncertain but will not be short. Donations have already been used to cover expenses, as both parents are currently away from work for an unknown duration. 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."
Incident and Arrest
The incident occurred on 18 June when the boy ended up in the crocodile enclosure. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later bailed. Police said he was "assessed as not being fit for interview." The suspect reportedly has learning disabilities and was on a trip with carers at the time.
Cambridgeshire police stated that the boy "sustained serious injuries" from being "injured by a crocodile" after entering the enclosure.
Zoo Staff and Visitor Response
In a statement released through police, the boy's family thanked "the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure." Zoo co-owner Tracey Johnson reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child. On 21 June, the zoo owners praised the "incredible speed and determination" of those who helped. In a social media post, Johnsons of Old Hurst 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 zoo also thanked the emergency services, including the Magpas Air Ambulance, and off-duty paramedics and police officers who were among the visitors. They said: "We are immensely proud of our own staff, who responded without hesitation and did everything they could to help and support the child until the emergency services took over."
