A local council is investigating two carers who were reportedly on their phones while the man they were looking after allegedly threw a three-year-old boy into a crocodile enclosure at a Cambridgeshire zoo. The incident occurred on June 18 at Johnsons of Old Hurst, and the boy has since undergone five surgeries.
Suspect Arrested and Bailed
Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder. He was later bailed after being assessed as not fit for interview. The man reportedly has learning difficulties and was on a trip with carers at the time of the incident.
Witness Account of Carers' Behavior
A woman who was at the zoo told The Sun she saw what she believed to be the carers about 10 metres away from the man, paying little attention to him. “They were English and chatting among themselves and on their phones,” she said. The mother, in her 20s, heard a loud scream and did not think “in a million years” someone was in the crocodile pen. She added: “I don’t know if it was definitely him but I saw one bloke of a bigger build. He had two carers with him and they weren’t paying him much attention.”
Council Investigation Underway
Norfolk County Council is reportedly investigating the carers believed responsible for the man during the trip. A Section 42 inquiry will determine if the man experienced abuse or neglect, according to The Telegraph. The care provided to the man is not from the local authority.
Fundraising and Family Response
A fundraising page for the boy’s recovery has raised more than £25,000. An update from the parents said: “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.” In a statement through police, the family thanked zoo staff who rescued their son.
Zoo Staff Actions
Police were called at 1.24pm after the boy suffered serious injuries in the enclosure. He was pulled out by zoo staff, including co-owner Tracey Johnson, who reportedly jumped in to save him. The zoo expressed “heartfelt thanks” to visitors, off-duty paramedics, and police officers, stating: “We are immensely proud of our own staff, who responded without hesitation.”
