Boy, 3, who was seriously injured after being thrown 15ft into crocodile pit by disabled man returns home from hospital following seven operations
A three-year-old boy who was seriously injured after being thrown 15ft into a crocodile enclosure at a Cambridgeshire zoo has been discharged from hospital following seven operations over two months. His family said he is now "happy to be home, playing with his toys, sleeping in his own bed and being a big brother", according to an update posted on the GoFundMe page set up to support his recovery. The incident, which occurred at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon on 18 June, led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Norfolk man on suspicion of attempted murder; he was later bailed after being assessed as unfit for interview, and an investigation was launched into the care arrangements for the suspect, who reportedly has learning difficulties.
The boy suffered extensive damage to tendons, blood vessels and tissue in his arms, neck, head and face, requiring emergency 12-hour surgery after zoo owners Andy and Tracey Johnson and their son Edward rescued him from the enclosure, which contained at least 15 crocodiles. The GoFundMe appeal has raised more than £113,000, which the family said has covered bills, mortgage payments and lost wages, while also funding toy donations to the paediatric intensive care unit and play team at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. The family also plans to donate to the Sick Children's Trust and Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust to thank staff, and said their son's immediate surgeries are complete, allowing them to focus on rehabilitation at home.
- Boy, 3, thrown into crocodile pit in June, now home after seven operations
- Norfolk man, 30, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, later bailed
- GoFundMe has raised over £113,000 to support family and recovery