New details have emerged about the dramatic rescue of a three-year-old boy who was thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnson's of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The boy, who sustained serious injuries, was saved by a family of three who jumped into the pit to prise him from the crocodile's jaws.
Family Heroics
According to The Sunday Times, it was not just zoo owner Tracey Johnson who leapt into action, but also her husband Andrew and their son Edward, 29. The trio worked together to pull the toddler away from the crocodile and remove him from the enclosure. Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, confirmed the details after speaking with the Johnson family on Friday evening.
"We mustn't underestimate how much of a difference Tracey made," Newman said. "She was first in there. She jumped in and dealt with an awful situation. She was then joined by her husband and son. It was a team effort." He added: "They are a resilient family but they are distraught. Their thoughts and concerns are for the child."
Incident Details
Police were called to the zoo on Thursday, June 18 at 1:24pm by the ambulance service after reports of a child with serious injuries. The suspect, a 30-year-old man from Norfolk who is not known to the victim, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but later released on bail after being deemed "not fit for interview." The boy was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.
Newman also suggested that the boy may have escaped death or further injury because the crocodile had been fed a diet of livestock offcuts and may not have recognised the child as food.
Community Support
The zoo announced on Facebook that the Tropical House would remain closed out of respect to the victim's family, prompting an outpouring of support from local residents. Det Insp Verity McCann of Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: "Our enquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time."
The 30-year-old suspect has been bailed until September 18. The identity of the injured toddler has not been disclosed.
