HUNTINGDON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE — A three-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on June 18, 2024. The incident led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder.

The boy fell 15 feet and landed on a concrete walkway within the enclosure. Johnsons of Old Hurst stated they were alerted to reports that a child had allegedly been thrown into one of their crocodile enclosures on June 18. Tracey Johnson, the zoo's co-owner, jumped into the enclosure to rescue the child, and the boy's family thanked the staff at the zoo who rescued him.

Cambridgeshire police stated that the boy sustained serious injuries from the incident. "Within minutes of the first radio call, the child had been rescued from the enclosure and was receiving first aid," Johnsons of Old Hurst stated. The zoo also expressed thanks to visitors who helped, including off-duty paramedics and police officers. Johnsons of Old Hurst added, "Everyone who was on site that day acted with incredible speed and determination."

The boy has undergone five surgeries and is expected to undergo at least two more. His parents stated, "We have been living at the hospital for two weeks now and our son has undergone five surgeries." They also said, "His rehabilitation journey is uncertain, but we do know that it won't be a short process."

The arrested man was bailed after police assessed him as not being fit for interview. He reportedly has learning disabilities and was on a trip with carers at the time of the incident. Donors have raised more than £25,000 to support the boy's recovery. The boy's family stated, "We are extremely grateful for everyone's generosity." The family added, "We could never thank you enough for the support you have given our family in this horrible time."