A three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a Cambridgeshire zoo may have escaped death because the reptile that attacked him did not recognise him as potential food, according to reports. The youngster remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition after the shocking incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon on Thursday, June 24, 2026.
Details of the Incident
According to The Sunday Times, the child is thought to have been gripped by either a saltwater crocodile or a Nile crocodile after being thrown from an elevated walkway into the enclosure. The saltwater crocodile has the strongest bite of any living animal and can grow to 22ft in length and weigh as much as a ton. The toddler suffered serious injuries and is believed to have sustained a suspected broken arm and pelvis.
Witnesses described hearing a "loud scream" after the youngster was allegedly thrown into the crocodile enclosure, which is around 15ft below a fenced walkway inside a converted cattle barn.
Rescue Efforts
The Sunday Times reported that zoo owner Tracey Johnson was the first person to jump into the enclosure after the incident. Her husband Andrew Johnson and their son Edward Johnson later joined her and are understood to have helped prise the toddler away from the crocodile before carrying him to safety.
Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, said crocodiles would instinctively react if something suddenly landed on or near them. He said: "If something fell on one of the crocodiles, or if something fell close to it, it would bite." Mr Newman also praised the Johnson family for their actions: "We mustn't underestimate how much of a difference Tracey made. She was the first one there. She jumped in and dealt with an awful situation. She was then joined by her husband and son. It was a team effort to assist the child."
Police Investigation
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident. He was later released on bail after being assessed as "not being fit for interview." Cambridgeshire Police said: "A three-year-old boy from Cambridgeshire remains at Addenbrooke's hospital in a critical but stable condition following an incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst. The boy, who sustained serious injuries while in the [crocodile] enclosure, was pulled out by staff from the zoo and received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital." Detective Inspector Verity McCann added: "Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident."
Background on the Zoo
Johnsons of Old Hurst is a crocodile farm that also operates as a zoo. The enclosure where the incident occurred is located inside a converted cattle barn. The boy may have escaped death or further serious injury because the crocodile that attacked him would normally be fed a diet of livestock offcuts and might not have recognised the child as potential food, according to The Sunday Times.
