A zookeeper in England has been hailed as a hero after leaping into a crocodile enclosure to rescue a 3-year-old boy on Thursday. The child had been forced into the pen by a 30-year-old man who was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Quick Action by Zookeeper
Tracey Johnson, co-owner of Johnsons of Old Hurst farm and zoo in Huntingdon with her husband Andy Johnson, immediately entered the enclosure upon learning the toddler was inside, according to Cambridgeshire Live. Andy Johnson told the BBC that his wife jumped into the pen, which sits about 15 feet below raised, fenced walkways, to retrieve the child.
The boy, visiting the zoo with his family, did not know the suspect, Cambridgeshire police confirmed. The suspect, who reportedly has intellectual disabilities, has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Bravery Under Extreme Danger
“She put herself in immense danger,” said Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare and a friend of the Johnsons. He praised her “remarkable bravery,” adding, “She’d always put her own life at risk to save someone else. She’s an extraordinary lady and very brave.” Newman told Cambridgeshire Live that due to the height of the fences around the walkways, the boy would likely have had to be thrown into the enclosure.
Child's Condition and Injuries
Police reported Thursday that the boy sustained serious injuries and was in critical but stable condition at a hospital. It remains unclear whether his injuries resulted from the crocodiles or the fall into the pen. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
