A three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo last month has undergone five operations and requires at least two more, his devastated family have revealed. The toddler fell 15 feet before being attacked by a crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on June 18.
The youngster, who has not been named, was rescued and rushed to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge in a critical condition. He is now stable, though his recovery is expected to be lengthy, according to reports.
Family Shares Devastating Update
In a statement published alongside a GoFundMe fundraiser, his heartbroken family revealed they have been "living at the hospital" for the past two weeks, during which time their son has undergone five operations. At least two further surgeries are required, including nerve reconstruction in his arm, according to the statement.
"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," the family wrote. "We have been living at the hospital for 2 weeks now and our son has undergone 5 surgeries. At this moment in time we know that our son is to undergo at least two more surgeries, one of those surgeries being a nerve reconstruction in his arm."
"These last two weeks have been a very uncertain and unsettling time. This uncertainty remains as we still don't know the extent of his feeling, movement and function in both of his arms, wrists and hands. This will only be identified after casts and bandages are able to be removed and he can begin his rehabilitation journey. His rehabilitation journey is uncertain but we do know that it won't be a short process."
Details of the Incident
According to reports, the boy fell onto a concrete walkway, sustaining a broken arm and pelvis, before landing in the water. It is believed he was subsequently attacked by either a saltwater or Nile crocodile in an incident the zoo's owners have described as "one of the most distressing" in their history.
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the boy "was pulled out by staff from the zoo", with co-owner Tracey Johnson reportedly leaping into the enclosure to rescue the child. Officers arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the harrowing incident, though he was subsequently bailed after police stated he was "assessed as being not fit for interview". The man is believed to have learning difficulties and had been visiting with carers.
Zoo Owners Express Gratitude
Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo co-owners Andy and Tracey Johnson broke their silence on the terrifying ordeal this week, expressing their gratitude to staff, emergency services and courageous bystanders for their rapid response in saving the boy.
"Everyone who was on site that day acted with incredible speed and determination. Within minutes of the first radio call, the child had been rescued from the enclosure and was receiving first aid," they said in a statement. "The emergency services arrived very quickly, supported by the MAGPAS Air Ambulance, and we cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in such difficult circumstances."
The Johnsons continued: "We are immensely proud of our own staff, who responded without hesitation and did everything they could to help and support the child until the emergency services took over. The kindness we have received from our local community and from people across the country has been overwhelming. Every message of support, every kind word and every expression of concern has meant a great deal to our family and our team during an incredibly difficult time."
"Thank you for standing with us. Above all, our thoughts remain with the young boy and his family. We continue to hope and pray for his speedy recovery and ask that they are given the privacy, compassion and support they need at this time."
Officers from Cambridgeshire Police were dispatched to the attraction at 1:24 PM on June 18. The GoFundMe appeal, which has collected over £25,000 at the time of publication, remains open for contributions.
