A three-year-old boy faces two more operations after being attacked by a crocodile, having already undergone five surgeries since he was allegedly thrown into the reptile's enclosure at a zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
The family has described the past few weeks as having been spent "living at the hospital." The incident occurred on June 18, when the boy was reportedly thrown 15 feet into an enclosure containing at least 15 crocodiles and alligators. Questions remain about the extent of function he will retain in his arms, wrists, and hands. He landed on a concrete walkway, sustaining a broken arm and pelvis before entering the water, where he was bitten.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but has been released on bail pending further investigation. Police stated the suspect was not fit for an interview at the time of his arrest, and reports indicate he has learning difficulties and was at the zoo with his carers.
A fundraising page established to support the boy's recovery has raised over £25,000. His parents expressed gratitude for the donations, explaining that the funds help cover their expenses while they are away from work and are uncertain when they can return. They also intend to use future donations to support their son's rehabilitation and to give back to the hospital staff.
The zoo's owners, Andy and Tracey Johnson, called the incident one of the most distressing in their business's history. Mrs. Johnson, followed by her husband and their son, entered the enclosure to rescue the boy. The zoo staff were credited with responding quickly, providing first aid, and supporting the child until emergency services arrived. The MAGPAS Air Ambulance also provided support.
In a separate development, an investigation was launched after up to 40 hospital staff reportedly accessed the boy's private medical records. Hospital management has vowed to take disciplinary action against anyone found to have accessed the records without a legitimate reason. This incident follows other cases of unauthorized medical record access, including staff viewing notes for the Princess of Wales after her cancer diagnosis and the dismissal of employees for accessing records of victims of the Southport and Nottingham terror attacks.
Johnsons Zoo, which originated as a dairy farm, also includes a butcher's shop, farm shop, tea room, and steakhouse. The crocodiles were initially kept for waste meat disposal from the butchery but became the foundation for the zoo, which now houses over 100 animals.