A 3-year-old boy remains in critical but stable condition after he ended up inside a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a family-run farm and zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
The incident occurred Thursday afternoon inside the zoo’s Tropical House. Zoo staff pulled the boy from the enclosure, and emergency responders treated him at the scene before transferring him to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
Zoo Owner’s Wife Praised For Rescue
Tracey Johnson, wife of the zoo owner, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to help rescue the boy. Chris Newman, director of the National Centre For Reptile Welfare, praised Johnson’s actions.
“She’d always put her own life at risk to save someone else. She’s an extraordinary lady and very brave,” Newman told the BBC.
Johnson was not injured.
Suspect Released On Bail
Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder after the incident. Police later released him on bail until September after officers deemed him unfit for interview. Investigators said they do not believe the man and the child knew each other.
Several UK outlets have reported that someone allegedly threw the child into the enclosure. Cambridgeshire Police have not publicly confirmed that allegation, saying only that the boy “ended up in the crocodile enclosure.”
Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty urged the public not to speculate while police investigate. “This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online. The police will provide an update with further information in due course,” he said.
Ongoing Investigation
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said investigators are continuing to establish how the boy entered the enclosure.
“Our thoughts remain with the boy and his family,” McCann said.
Specialist officers are supporting the boy’s family.
Zoo Response
Johnsons of Old Hurst said the Tropical House will remain closed until further notice “out of respect to the family.”
In a statement, the zoo added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.”
The rest of the zoo reopened as normal Friday.
