A three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a Cambridgeshire zoo has undergone five surgeries, with at least two more required, including nerve reconstruction in his arm. The toddler plunged 15ft at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdon on June 18, landing on a concrete walkway and sustaining a broken arm and pelvis before being attacked by either a saltwater or Nile crocodile. Staff pulled the boy from the enclosure, with joint-owner Tracey Johnson reportedly leaping in to rescue him. He was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge in a critical condition but is now stable.
His family, who have been “living at the hospital,” said in a statement on a GoFundMe page that has raised more than £25,000: “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 uncertainty remains over how much feeling, movement and function their son will have in both arms, wrists and hands, and that his rehabilitation “won’t be a short process.”
“Boy, 3, undergoes five surgeries after crocodile attack at zoo, as carers of suspect face neglect inquiry.”
Meanwhile, a safeguarding inquiry has been launched into the carers of a 30-year-old disabled man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident. Police released him after deeming him not fit to be quizzed, and he has been bailed until September 18. The man, believed to have learning difficulties, was visiting the zoo with carers who were allegedly on their phones at the time and 10 metres behind him. The man was reportedly bundled into a car by his carers moments after the incident.
Norfolk County Council said a Section 42 inquiry is underway to determine whether the man is experiencing abuse or neglect, and it is working with partners in health and care to review all individuals receiving care from the same provider. Cambridgeshire Police are also investigating the carers and the zoo’s CCTV. The boy’s family have described the incident as a “horrible time,” as questions remain over his long-term function. The zoo’s owners, Andy and Tracey Johnson, called the attack “one of the most distressing” in their history.