Three-Year-Old Boy Stable After Crocodile Attack at Johnsons of Old Hurst Enclosure
A three-year-old boy, who sustained serious injuries after falling into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, is no longer in a critical condition, police confirmed. The child is now stable in hospital.
Cambridgeshire Police stated they were called to the zoo on Thursday at 13:34 BST. The boy, from Cambridgeshire, was visiting with his family when he was attacked by at least one crocodile within the enclosure. Zoo staff intervened, pulling him to safety before he received medical treatment and was transported to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, reportedly not known to the child, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police indicated the suspect, who is believed to have learning disabilities and was visiting the zoo with carers, was assessed as unfit for interview and has since been released on bail until 18 September.
Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, conveyed that the Johnson family, who own the zoo, were "very distraught" and involved in the rescue. The crocodiles involved in the incident have not been seized or culled.
Johnsons of Old Hurst, a licensed facility in Old Hurst village, houses over 100 animals, including crocodiles, lions, and tigers. The site, which features a farm, cafe, and butcher's shop, opened two decades ago, with its crocodile house established in 2009.