The proprietors of a zoo where a three-year-old child was attacked by a crocodile have publicly addressed the incident for the first time. Andy and Tracey Johnson, who manage the zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, described the distressing nature of the event that occurred on June 18.
The child fell 15 feet onto a concrete walkway, resulting in a broken arm and pelvis before landing in the water. He is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, where authorities confirmed his stable condition but noted a long road to recovery ahead.
Following the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a 30-year-old man from Norfolk was taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder. Subsequently, he was released on bail after being deemed unfit for questioning due to reported learning disabilities and being accompanied by caregivers.
Cambridgeshire Police stated that the child was harmed by the crocodile after entering its enclosure. Emergency services were alerted to the zoo at 1:24 pm by the ambulance service regarding a boy with severe injuries.
Authorities mentioned that zoo staff rescued the boy from the enclosure, with Tracey Johnson reportedly entering the enclosure to save the child. Andy and Tracey Johnson have issued a statement acknowledging the rapid response and efforts of everyone involved in the rescue mission.
Additionally, the boy’s family expressed gratitude for the zoo staff’s swift action in rescuing their son and appreciated the outpouring of public support and well-wishes received during his hospitalization. Their focus remains on the child’s recovery and providing him with necessary support during this challenging time.
