More than £100,000 has been raised to aid a three-year-old boy who suffered severe injuries after reportedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure. The incident occurred at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire on June 18. The child, whose identity remains undisclosed, has undergone multiple surgeries, including a nerve graft on his left arm, following the attack.
The young victim sustained extensive injuries, including blood vessel damage, broken bones, and severe tissue damage on his arms, neck, head, and face. Responding to the incident, zoo staff, including owners Andy and Tracey Johnson and their son Edward, bravely entered the crocodile enclosure to rescue the boy.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident. Subsequently, he was released on bail as authorities deemed him unfit for questioning due to his learning difficulties. The man allegedly threw the boy over a 4ft barrier into the 15ft deep enclosure while on a trip with carers, prompting an investigation into his supervision.
A GoFundMe campaign launched on June 30 to support the boy’s recovery and future rehabilitation has surpassed £100,000 in donations, with a significant contribution of £2,500 from an anonymous donor. Despite the challenges, the boy’s family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received and provided updates on his progress, mentioning his communication with nurses and renewed smiles.
As the child continues treatment at Addenbrookes Hospital, concerns arose after reports that 40 hospital staff accessed his medical records. Cambridge University Hospitals is investigating the matter to ensure compliance with data protection regulations. The family remains hopeful for the boy’s recovery and acknowledges the ongoing support needed during his rehabilitation journey.