The owners of Johnsons of Old Hurst, a zoo in Cambridgeshire, have praised the 'incredible speed and determination' of those who helped rescue a three-year-old boy injured in a crocodile enclosure on June 18.
Incident Details
The zoo reported in an Instagram post that they were 'alerted to reports that a child had allegedly been thrown into one of our crocodile enclosures.' Within minutes of the first radio call, the child was rescued and receiving first aid. Emergency services, including the MAGPAS Air Ambulance, arrived quickly.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but later bailed as police said he was 'assessed as not being fit for interview.' The suspect reportedly has learning difficulties and was on a trip with carers.
Victim's Condition
The boy remains at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge in a 'stable condition,' having been injured by a crocodile. His family expressed gratitude to the zoo staff who rescued him and thanked the public for support. A fundraising page for the boy's recovery and rehabilitation said he has undergone 'multiple surgeries.'
Community Response
The zoo thanked visitors, including off-duty paramedics and police officers, for their calm and immediate actions. They also praised their own staff for responding without hesitation. 'The kindness we have received from our local community and from people across the country has been overwhelming,' the zoo stated.
Tracey Johnson, the zoo's co-owner, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child. The zoo's message concluded: 'Our thoughts remain with the young boy and his family. We continue to hope and pray for his speedy recovery.'
