The zoo, where a three-year-old child was reportedly thrown into the crocodile enclosure and attacked, has now reopened. Johnsons of Old Hurst announced that their entire facility will resume operations starting this weekend after the disturbing incident that resulted in the young boy being critically injured by one of the reptiles.
In a statement dated June 27, the zoo confirmed the full reopening of its site, including the crocodile attraction. Fans of the zoo expressed their satisfaction on Instagram as the Tropical House, housing the crocodile enclosure, had been closed since the incident on June 18.
Following the attack, the boy from Cambridgeshire was hospitalized in critical condition. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was later released on bail due to being deemed unfit for questioning by Cambridgeshire Police. The suspect, who reportedly has learning difficulties, was accompanied by carers on the trip.
The child suffered serious injuries in the enclosure but was saved by Tracey Johnson, the wife of the zoo owner, who bravely intervened by jumping into the pit to rescue him. An investigation has been initiated after approximately 40 hospital staff accessed the boy’s medical records without authorization.
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) has self-referred to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to probe the unauthorized access to the medical records. Police have reported that the child’s condition has since improved and is no longer critical.
Members of the Johnson family, actively involved in the zoo’s management, participated in the rescue operation according to Chris Newman, the director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare. He praised the family’s heroic efforts and expressed that they are deeply affected by the distressing incident.
The child, residing in Cambridge, was on a family outing at the zoo when the alleged incident occurred. The suspect from Norfolk, who was not acquainted with the child, was apprehended on suspicion of attempted murder. Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions and tigers, with the crocodile house established in 2009. Authorities have confirmed that none of the crocodiles were harmed or removed from the premises.