A three-year-old boy has been discharged from the hospital and returned home after sustaining serious injuries when he was thrown into a crocodile enclosure. The child underwent seven operations over a two-month period following the incident on June 18 at Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.
According to an online update from his parents, the boy is now "happy to be home, playing with his toys, sleeping in his own bed and being a big brother." The family stated that while his immediate surgeries are complete, his rehabilitation journey is ongoing. They are focusing on ensuring he has the "best possible chance at recovery" and are frequently attending hospital appointments to determine the next steps.
The incident occurred when the child was reportedly hurled 15 feet into an enclosure containing at least 15 crocodiles. Zoo owners Andy and Tracey Johnson, along with their son Edward, entered the enclosure to rescue the boy. Emergency services and the MAGPAS Air Ambulance arrived quickly to provide aid. The zoo owners expressed their gratitude to the staff and emergency responders for their swift actions.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident. He was later released on bail, with police noting he was "assessed as not being fit for interview." Reports indicate the suspect has learning difficulties and was on a trip with carers. Norfolk County Council has launched an inquiry into his care.
The boy's family established a GoFundMe page to support his recovery and rehabilitation, which has raised over £113,000. The funds have helped cover immediate costs such as bills and mortgage payments, as well as lost wages for the parents. The family also expressed their gratitude for the generosity shown by donors.
In addition to focusing on their son's recovery, the family has made donations to the paediatric intensive care unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, the children's play team on the ward, and the Sick Children's Trust charity. They also plan to donate to the Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust to thank the hospital staff.
Johnsons of Old Hurst, which began as a dairy farm, now operates as a zoo with over 100 animals, alongside a butcher's shop, farm shop, tea room, and steakhouse. The crocodiles were initially kept on the premises to help dispose of waste meat from the butchery.