A three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Cambridgeshire was with his mother and a baby at the time of the incident, according to a media report. The boy remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition after the attack on Thursday, June 18.
Incident Details
The child sustained serious injuries when he entered the enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst, which houses Nile and saltwater crocodiles. The Sunday Times reported that the boy was accompanied by his mother, who also had a baby with her. Police have obtained CCTV footage from the zoo to assist their investigation.
A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He reportedly has learning difficulties and was on a trip with a carer at the time. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the arrested man, from Norfolk, was assessed as not being fit for interview and has been released on bail until September 18.
Emergency Response
Police were called to the zoo at 1:24 PM on Thursday by the ambulance service. The boy, who was not known to the man, had suffered serious injuries. Officers said the boy “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo.”
Tracey Johnson, 55, wife of zoo owner Andrew Johnson, 56, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child. She is said to have passed the boy to her husband, who also leapt in to help. Visitors reported that the Johnsons’ 29-year-old son also entered the enclosure to assist.
Expert Commentary
Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, told The Sunday Times that no one should underestimate the difference Mrs Johnson made. He said: “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.” Mr Newman added that the Johnsons felt distraught at what had happened and their thoughts were with the boy.
