The proprietors of a zoo where a three-year-old child was attacked by a crocodile have publicly addressed the incident for the first time. Andy and Tracey Johnson, the operators of the zoo located in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, shared the distressing nature of the event that occurred on June 18.
The child sustained a broken arm and pelvis after falling 15ft onto a concrete walkway before entering the water. Presently, the child is undergoing treatment for the injuries at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where authorities state that he is in a stable condition but faces a lengthy recovery process.
Following the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was later released on bail as he was deemed unfit for questioning due to reported learning difficulties. The man had been on an outing with caregivers at the time.
According to Cambridgeshire Police, the child was harmed by the crocodile after entering its enclosure, prompting an emergency response. Police were alerted to the situation by the ambulance service at 1:24 pm, reporting severe injuries to the child.
The authorities noted that the child was rescued from the enclosure by zoo staff, with Tracey Johnson reportedly entering the enclosure to save the child.
In a recent statement, Andy and Tracey Johnson expressed gratitude for the swift actions taken by staff and emergency services during the distressing incident. They thanked the emergency responders, off-duty paramedics, and police officers who assisted, as well as the local community for their overwhelming support.
The family of the child also conveyed appreciation for the zoo staff who rescued their son and extended thanks to all involved in his care and recovery. Their focus remains on supporting the child through his challenging and prolonged recovery period.
The family requested privacy, compassion, and continued support during this difficult time.