Family of three-year-old injured in crocodile pit give fresh update as they thank rescuers
The family of the three-year-old boy injured in the crocodile pit said in a statement through Cambridgeshire Police that their “attention is focused on the child’s recovery” and thanked the zoo staff who saved him and those who cared for him in hospital.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire on June 18.
He was later released on bail after police said he was “assessed unfit for interview”.
A statement released through Cambridgeshire Police, which did not name the family, said: “We would like to thank the zoo staff for rescuing our son from the enclosure.
“We are truly grateful for the public support and good wishes we have received, as well as everyone directly involved in our son’s care and recovery in hospital.
“Our attention is focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and lengthy period.”
Police said the boy was in a “stable condition” at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and faces a long road to recovery.
The suspect in the case reportedly had a learning disability and was on trips with caregivers.
Police said the boy was “injured by the crocodile” after entering the closed area.
Police were called to the zoo by the ambulance service at 1.24pm following reports that a three-year-old child had been seriously injured.
Cambridgeshire Police said the boy was “seriously injured in the enclosure” and was “removed by zoo staff”.
Tracey Johnson, co-owner of the zoo, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.
Police said the child was treated at the scene before being taken to the hospital.
A fundraising page has been set up to support his recovery and rehabilitation, as well as provide financial stability to the family while supporting them in hospital.
A description on the page praises the “extraordinary courage and quick actions of those nearby” to save the boy.
He said he had undergone “multiple surgeries” and was “currently stable but faces a long road to recovery.”
“His parents are currently with him in hospital, supporting him physically and psychologically through both emergency and ongoing care,” the fundraising page author continued.
All remaining funds will be donated to charities and organizations within the Addenbrooke’s Foundation that support other families facing similar challenges. you can find Fundraiser via this link.
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