The three-year-old boy who was seriously injured after allegedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a Cambridgeshire zoo has undergone multiple surgeries and remains in hospital, his family said as they thanked the staff who rescued him.
The incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon on 18 June left the toddler in a critical condition before he was stabilised at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Cambridgeshire Police said he “faces a long road to recovery”.
“Three-year-old boy attacked by crocodile at Cambridgeshire zoo undergoes multiple surgeries; man bailed on suspicion of attempted murder.”
In a statement, the 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.”
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but later bailed after being assessed as not fit for interview.
A fundraising page set up to support the family said the boy was rescued by zoo owners and rushed to hospital in a critical condition. After multiple surgeries, he is stable. Any surplus funds will be directed to charities within the Addenbrooke’s Trust that assist other families in similar situations.
Cambridge University Hospitals has referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office after about 40 staff members accessed the boy’s medical records. The Department of Health and Social Care is also investigating.
The zoo reopened its entire site nine days after the incident, though the Tropical House, a converted cattle barn, had been closed. The family said their attention remains on his recovery “through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.”