3-Year-Old Boy in Critical Condition After Being Thrown Into Crocodile Enclosure at Zoo
A 3-year-old boy is in critical but stable condition at a Cambridge hospital after being thrown into the crocodile enclosure at a zoo in central England on Thursday, in what police are investigating as an attempted murder.
What Happened
Cambridgeshire Police were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst, a family-owned farm and zoo near Huntingdon, at 1:24 p.m. Thursday after reports of a distressing incident involving a young child. According to police, the boy "ended up in the crocodile enclosure" and suffered serious injuries before zoo staff were able to pull him out.
British media reported that the wife of the zoo's owner jumped into the enclosure herself to rescue the child. The boy was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in critical but stable condition. Specially trained officers are supporting his family at the hospital.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. Police said they do not believe the man and the child are known to each other. The man was subsequently assessed as not fit for interview and released on bail until Sept. 18 pending further inquiries.
"At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances," said Detective Inspector Verity McCann. Detectives from the Cambridgeshire Major Crime Unit have launched a full investigation.
About the Zoo
Johnsons of Old Hurst is a family-run business located roughly 20 miles northwest of Cambridge. The zoo is home to more than 100 animals, with a particular focus on crocodilians, and also features tigers, lions, sloth bears, and meerkats among its residents. The zoo's Tropical House, where the crocodiles and alligators are kept, has been closed until further notice. In a statement posted to Facebook, the zoo said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family."
The zoo offers public experiences including crocodile feeding sessions, which are advertised on its website for £80 to £100 per person.
Official Response
Ben Obese-Jecty, the Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, said senior officers were treating the incident as a critical one and confirmed a criminal investigation was underway. "My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time," he said.
The investigation remains active and police have asked anyone who was present at the zoo at the time of the incident to come forward.
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