Family of boy, three, thrown into crocodile pit say he faces ‘prolonged’ recovery

The family of a three-year-old boy who was seriously injured after allegedly being thrown into a crocodile pit has spoken out about his condition for the first time.

The child has had multiple surgeries after he fell 15ft into the enclosure while visiting Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon with his family.

A ‘mentally disabled’ man, who broke away from his carers, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was released on bail after being described as ‘not being fit for interview’ by police.

The boy’s family has now released a statement praising the zoo staff who pulled him to safety.

His family said: ‘We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure.

‘We are truly grateful for the public support and well-wishes we have received, as well as to everyone who has been directly involved in our son’s care and recovery in hospital.

 ‘Our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.’

The boy remains in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, in a stable condition and faces a long road to recovery, Cambridgshire Constabulary added.

The child was rescued by zoo owner Tracey Johnson, 55, as well as her zookeeper husband Andrew, 56, and their 29-year-old son Edward, who all jumped in to save him.

A fundraising page has also been set up on behalf of the family to support the boy’s recovery.

Fundraising organizer Lucy Lockett revealed the boy had undergone ‘multiple surgeries’ but still ‘faces a long road to recovery’.

Lockett added: ‘His parents are currently by his side in hospital, supporting him through both immediate and ongoing care physically and psychologically.’

She added: ‘Every donation, no matter the size, will support the family by giving them the financial stability they need as they navigate through this difficult time. It will also support their son’s further recovery and rehabilitation in the upcoming months and years ahead.

‘Should any funds remain after meeting the family’s needs, they will be donated to the charities and organisations within the Addenbrooke’s Trust to support other families facing similar challenges.’

The suspect, 30, reportedly has hearing difficulties and has two carers who, according to a witness, were ‘on their phones’ when he allegedly attacked the child.

A mum who was at the zoo at the time said: ‘I don’t know if it was definitely him, but I saw one bloke of a bigger build; he had two carers with him and they weren’t paying him much attention.

‘If it was him, his carers were maybe ten meters behind him and not paying much attention.

‘They were English and chatting among themselves and on their phones.’

The suspect was found unfit for interview and bailed until September 18.

An investigation has also been launched after the boy was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where up to 40 staff accessed his medical details.

Cambridge University Hospitals said they were exploring why so many people accessed the victim’s records, and has referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

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