Three-Year-Old Boy in Critical Condition After Crocodile Attack at Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo
A three-year-old boy is in a critical but stable condition after being attacked by a crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon on Thursday. Cambridgeshire Police have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder, who has since been released on bail until 18 September.
The toddler sustained serious injuries after ending up in the crocodile enclosure. Police confirmed that zoo staff pulled the boy out, with Andy Johnson, who runs the establishment, stating his wife Tracey jumped into the enclosure to rescue the child. The boy was treated at the scene by ambulance crews and the Magpas Air Ambulance, before being transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital.
The arrested man, described as white-British and from Norfolk, is not believed to have known the child and is understood to have learning disabilities. He was assessed as unfit for interview by officers. Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing zoo staff as part of their ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Johnsons of Old Hurst, a licensed zoo, features over 100 animals, including lions, tigers, and various crocodilians. Its Tropical House, which houses Nile crocodiles, broad-snouted caiman, and American alligators, has been closed. Huntingdonshire District Council confirmed the zoo's licence was renewed in 2024 following standard inspection processes and stated no previous safety-related incidents had been recorded concerning the crocodile enclosure.
