A three-year-old boy who was critically injured after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure has undergone multiple surgeries and is on a "long road to recovery," according to a fundraiser for his family. The incident occurred last month at Johnson’s of Old Hurst in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
The toddler was reportedly hurled over a 4-foot safety fence, falling approximately 15 feet into the enclosure. He was subsequently attacked by at least one of the animals before zookeeper Tracey Johnson intervened and rescued him. The boy was then rushed to the hospital in critical condition. His injuries included a shattered arm and pelvis.
Police arrested a 30-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. He was later released on bail after authorities determined he was not fit for interview, as he is understood to have learning difficulties. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is investigating care bosses responsible for the man, examining whether regulatory action is needed. The watchdog indicated its investigation involves the care provider, local authority, and police.
A separate investigation is also underway concerning up to 40 NHS staff who accessed the victim’s private medical records.
Witnesses reported that the suspect's carers were not paying close attention to him at the time of the incident, with some stating they were on their phones and standing several meters behind him. There were also claims that the carers attempted to leave the scene with the suspect shortly after the attack but were prevented from doing so by other staff members.
Lucy Lockett, who established a GoFundMe page for the family, stated that the boy's condition is now stable after his surgeries, but his recovery will be prolonged, requiring both physical and psychological care. The family has expressed deep gratitude for the public's support, prayers, and well wishes. They have requested privacy for their son and asked that he not be identified in the media or on social media. Funds raised will support the family's financial stability during this time, contribute to the boy's ongoing recovery and rehabilitation, and any remaining donations will be given to charities supporting families with similar challenges.
The boy's family also issued a statement thanking the zoo staff for the rescue and acknowledging the support received from the public and hospital caregivers. "Our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time," the family said.
Johnson's of Old Hurst, which originated as a dairy farm, now includes a zoo with over 100 animals, alongside a butcher shop, farm shop, tea room, and steakhouse. The crocodiles, initially kept for waste meat disposal from the butchery, became the foundation of the zoo. The crocodile enclosure has since reopened to the public.