Family of toddler injured in crocodile enclosure at a zoo issue an update
The family of the three-year-old boy injured in a horror incident at a crocodile enclosure have paid an emotional tribute to the brave zoo staff who rushed to save his life.
The youngster suffered serious injuries after ending up inside an enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, on June 18.
He remains in hospital, where his condition is described as stable as he continues his recovery.
Police at Johnson’s of Old Hurst. Pic: SWNS
In a heartfelt message, his family thanked the quick-thinking members of staff whose actions in the moments after the incident helped rescue their son and provide lifesaving assistance.
In a statement released today, his family said: ‘We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure.
We are truly grateful for the public support and well-wishes we have received, as well as to everyone who has been directly involved in our son’s care and recovery in hospital.
Our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.’
A file image of a crocodile at Johnson’s of Old Hurst. Pic: Newsquest via SWNS
The youngster, who is from Cambridgeshire, was attacked by at least one crocodile after ending up inside the reptiles’ enclosure.
Police said brave members of the zoo’s staff rushed into action and managed to pull the three-year-old to safety before emergency services arrived.
The boy was then taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he continues to receive treatment.
A file image of Johnson’s of Old Hurst. Pic: Newsquest via SWNS
The man who was arrested after allegedly throwing a three-year-old boy into a crocodile pit at a UK zoo is believed to have broken away from his carers minutes before the incident occurred.
Doctors have described the boy’s condition as critical but stable, and a 30-year-old man, unknown to the boy, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, but released as he was deemed ‘not fit for interview’ by police.
The zoo has been run by the Johnson family for four generations, and a spokesperson said their thoughts are with the boy and his family.
Police at Johnson’s of Old Hurst. Pic: SWNS
A neighbour to the zoo told the Daily Mail that everything in the enclosure is elevated, so the child couldn’t have accidentally fallen in.
‘There are some areas which have plastic glass so people can look through – but there is also 4ft fencing around the walkway, so it is impossible for people to fall in accidentally. Because of the way that railing’s set up, it would be hard for a kid to climb over it, like a small kid.’
Local Councillor Charlotte Lowe added that she ‘can’t fathom’ how the incident occurred, saying that a child wouldn’t have been able to get into the enclosure on its own.
‘The only place where people can get over into the enclosure is the walkways, which have fencing around them at chest height,’ Cllr Lowe said. ‘I don’t see how a child could have gone in accidentally.’
‘Officers were called to the zoo at 1.24 pm to reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure,’ a statement from Cambridgeshire Constabulary said.
‘The boy has been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital [in Cambridge] with serious injuries and is critical but stable. Officers are at the hospital supporting the boy’s family.’
