Family of boy injured in Cambridgeshire crocodile enclosure thank zoo staff who rescued him

Three-year-old remains in hospital after undergoing multiple surgeries but is now in a stable condition

The family of a three-year-old boy who was seriously injured in a crocodile attack at a zoo have thanked staff at the attraction in a new statement released through the police.

Last month, officers were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdonshire over “reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure”.

The three-year-old was pulled out of the enclosure by staff from the zoo. Tracey Johnson, the wife of the zoo’s owner, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.

The boy, from Cambridgeshire, was reportedly attacked by at least one crocodile before being rescued from the enclosure.

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later bailed after he was “assessed as not being fit for interview”.

In a statement issued through Cambridgeshire police, the family said: “We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure … our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.”

Police said the family wished to remain anonymous. The boy is now in a stable condition and remains at Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge.

A spokesperson for the force said: “A fundraising page has been set up to support the boy’s recovery and rehabilitation, as well as to provide the family with financial stability while they support him in hospital and throughout the coming months.”

They said the boy “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo”.

The fundraising page says: “After undergoing multiple surgeries, his condition is now stable, but he faces a long road to recovery. His parents are currently by his side in hospital, supporting him through both immediate and ongoing care physically and psychologically.”

It hails the “extraordinary bravery and quick actions of those nearby” in rescuing the boy.

The zoo’s website says it is home to “over 100 fascinating animals” including African lions, Bengal tigers and crocodiles.