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The family of a three-year-old boy who suffered serious injuries after entering a crocodile enclosure at a zoo have expressed heartfelt thanks to the staff who rescued him, saying their priority remains his recovery.
The child was critically injured during the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire on June 18. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the case.
Police later released the man on bail, stating he had been assessed as unfit to undergo an interview.
In a statement issued through Cambridgeshire Police on Tuesday, the boy’s 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.”
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the child remains at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge in a stable condition but is expected to face a lengthy recovery.
According to reports, the arrested man has learning difficulties and had been visiting the zoo with carers at the time of the incident.
Investigators said the child was injured by a crocodile after ending up inside the enclosure. Emergency services were alerted at 1:24pm when the ambulance service contacted police following reports that the three-year-old had sustained serious injuries.
Officers said the boy suffered severe injuries while inside the enclosure before being pulled to safety by zoo staff. He was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital.
The zoo’s co-owner, Tracey Johnson, is reported to have entered the enclosure herself to help rescue the child.
Meanwhile, an online fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover the boy’s ongoing recovery and rehabilitation costs, while also providing financial support to his family as they remain by his side during his hospital treatment.
