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
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Since arriving home from Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, his family have raised over £113,000 through a GoFundMe appeal, helping cover living costs and fund toy donations to the hospital's paediatric unit that cared for him.
A three-year-old boy was seriously hurt on 18 June when he was thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a zoo near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, which houses at least 15 crocodiles. He was rescued by the zoo's owners, Andy and Tracey Johnson, and their son Edward, before being rushed into emergency surgery for extensive injuries to his arms, neck, head and face.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, who is reported to have learning difficulties, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder over the incident. He was later bailed after being assessed as unfit for interview, and a separate inquiry has been opened into the arrangements in place for his care at the time.