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🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Disasters & Emergencies

Boy, 3, injured in UK crocodile enclosure faces 'long rehabilitation'

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A three-year-old boy seriously injured after an incident in a crocodile enclosure has undergone five surgeries.
  • His family reported he faces a "long rehabilitation journey" and thanked donors who raised over £25,000.
  • Police arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder; he was later bailed.

A three-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after allegedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst farm and zoo in Cambridgeshire on June 18. He has since undergone five surgeries and faces a lengthy rehabilitation period.

We are extremely grateful for everyone’s generosity. We could never thank you enough for the support you have given our family in this horrible time.

— The boy's parentsProviding an update on their son's recovery and thanking donors.

His parents shared an update on a fundraising page, stating they have been "living at the hospital" for two weeks. They expressed deep gratitude for the more than £25,000 raised by donors, which has helped cover their expenses while they support their son. The family anticipates at least two more surgeries are needed.

Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder. He was later released on bail, with authorities stating he was "assessed as not being fit for interview." Reports suggest the suspect has learning disabilities and was on a trip with caregivers at the time of the incident.

His rehabilitation journey is uncertain, but we do know that it won’t be a short process.

— The boy's parentsDescribing the challenges ahead for their son's recovery.

Zoo owners praised the "incredible speed and determination" of staff who responded, with co-owner Tracey Johnson reportedly jumping into the enclosure to rescue the child. Emergency services and the Magpas Air Ambulance provided prompt medical support.

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.

— Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo ownersPraising the actions of staff and others present during the rescue.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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