Zoo Worker Jumps into Crocodile Enclosure to Rescue Injured Boy

A three-year-old boy remains in critical but stable condition after being attacked by a crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst, prompting a police investigation and an arrest.

A man, aged 30, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident involving a three-year-old boy who was attacked by a crocodile at a zoo. He has been released on bail until September, as Cambridgeshire Police reported that he was not fit for police questioning at the time of his arrest.

The incident occurred at Johnsons of Old Hurst, located near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, on Thursday. The boy suffered serious injuries while inside the crocodile enclosure and was rescued by zoo staff. He received immediate medical attention at the scene before being transported to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann stated, "Our enquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family, and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time."

A spokesperson from Johnsons of Old Hurst expressed that their thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family. In light of the incident, the Tropical House, which contains the crocodile enclosure, has been closed out of respect for the family involved.

Zoo staff were seen on-site following the incident, and the zoo was scheduled to open at 10:00 AM. Crocodiles have been part of the family-run farm since 2006 and are housed in a converted cattle barn equipped with metal-fenced elevated walkways that overlook large pools of water surrounded by tropical vegetation.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first farm shop, a new museum was planned to open with a special weekend event starting on Saturday. However, it remains uncertain whether this event will proceed as scheduled.

On the day of the incident, police began interviewing witnesses who were present at the zoo. A police spokesperson confirmed that they do not believe the arrested man and the child had any prior acquaintance.

Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty urged the public to refrain from speculation online regarding the incident, emphasizing that police are treating the situation as a critical incident.

A spokesperson for Magpas Air Ambulance noted that a critical care team was dispatched to the scene at 13:42 to treat one patient before their transfer to the hospital.

According to its website, Johnsons of Old Hurst operates as a farming business that includes a butchers, a farm shop, a tea room, a steakhouse, and a zoo. The facility claims to house over 100 animals, including crocodiles, African lions, and a Bengal tiger.