A three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Cambridgeshire, U.K., last week is no longer in critical condition, police confirmed. The toddler remains hospitalized but is now in a stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
Suspect arrested and bailed
Cambridgeshire Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder. The suspect, believed to have learning disabilities, was on a trip to the zoo with caregivers at the time of the incident. He was assessed as not fit for interview and has been released on bail until September, according to police reports.
Police were called to the zoo at Johnsons of Old Hurst at 1:24 p.m. on Thursday after the ambulance service reported a boy with serious injuries. The child, visiting with his family, sustained serious injuries inside the crocodile enclosure and was pulled out by zoo staff. He received medical treatment at the scene before being transported to the hospital.
Heroic rescue by zoo family
Andy Johnson, who runs the zoo, told the BBC that his wife, Tracey, was the first to jump into the enclosure to save the boy. She was quickly joined by Andy and their youngest son, Edward. Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, described all three as heroes. "Tracey was the first on the scene, but she was then joined by her husband Andy and their youngest son Edward. All three were involved in the rescue," Newman said. He noted that Tracey was not injured despite putting herself in immense danger. "She'd always put her own life at risk to save someone else. She's an extraordinary lady and very brave," Newman added.
A spokesperson for the Johnson family said their thoughts and prayers were with the boy and his family.
Crocodiles not seized or euthanized
The crocodiles involved in the attack have not been seized or euthanized. The zoo, which houses more than 100 animals including crocodiles, lions, tigers, capybaras, meerkats, and sloth bears, has closed its Tropical House—containing the crocodile enclosure built in 2009—out of respect to the family. The attraction also features a farm shop, tea house, butcher's shop, and steakhouse.
Police continue to investigate, reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing zoo staff and witnesses. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston expressed his thoughts for the family, calling it a "truly horrific incident," but declined further comment as the investigation is ongoing.
