Andy and Tracey Johnson who run the zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire have told of how “distressing” was the horrific incident where a three-year-old boy was mauled by a crocodile
The owners of a zoo where a three-year-old boy was mauled by a crocodile have spoken publicly about the situation for the first time.
Andy and Tracey Johnson who run the zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire have told of how “distressing” the horrific incident was on June 18.
The boy fell 15ft and landed on a concrete walkway causing a broken arm and pelvis before ended up in the water. He is currently being treated for his injuries at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge where police said he is “in a stable condition and faces a long road to recovery”.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst and he was later bailed as police said he was “assessed as not being fit for interview”. He reportedly has learning difficulties and had been on a trip with carers.
Crocodiles at Johnson’s of Old Hurst (Image: Newsquest / SWNS)
Cambridgeshire Police said the boy was “injured by a crocodile” after he ended up in the enclosure. They were called to the zoo at 1.24pm by the ambulance service to reports that a boy had suffered serious injuries.
The force said the boy “was pulled out by staff from the zoo” with Tracey Johnson having reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.
Andy and Tracey Johnson have now issued a statement saying: “A fortnight ago, our family and team at Johnsons of Old Hurst experienced one of the most distressing incidents in our history.
“We were alerted to reports that a child had allegedly been thrown into one of our crocodile enclosures in the Tropical House. Everyone who was on site that day acted with incredible speed and determination. Within minutes of the first radio call, the child had been rescued from the enclosure and was receiving first aid.
“The emergency services arrived very quickly, supported by the MAGPAS Air Ambulance, and we cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in such difficult circumstances.
“We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the visitors who stepped forward to help, including off-duty paramedics and police officers, whose calm and immediate actions made a real difference.
“We are immensely proud of our own staff, who responded without hesitation and did everything they could to help and support the child until the emergency services took over.
“The kindness we have received from our local community and from people across the country has been overwhelming. Every message of support, every kind word and every expression of concern has meant a great deal to our family and our team during an incredibly difficult time.
“Thank you for standing with us. Above all, our thoughts remain with the young boy and his family. We continue to hope and pray for his speedy recovery and ask that they are given the privacy, compassion and support they need at this time.”
In a statement released through Cambridgeshire Police on Wednesday, the boy’s family said: “We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure.
