The zoo where a three-year-old child was reportedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure and attacked has now reopened. Johnsons of Old Hurst announced that their entire facility will resume operations starting this weekend after the distressing incident that left the toddler critically injured by one of the reptiles.
In a statement dated June 27, the zoo confirmed the full reopening of their site, including the crocodile attraction. Following the closure of the Tropical House, which houses the crocodile enclosure, fans expressed relief on Instagram that the zoo is back to normal operations.
The young boy, hailing from Cambridgeshire, was rushed to a hospital in critical condition after sustaining serious injuries in the enclosure. While a 30-year-old man from Norfolk was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, he was later released on bail due to being deemed unfit for questioning, as reported by Cambridgeshire Police.
During the incident, Tracey Johnson, the zoo owner’s wife, bravely leaped into the pit to rescue the boy from the crocodile. Subsequently, concerns were raised as around 40 hospital staff members accessed the child’s medical records, prompting an investigation by Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) to ensure the legality of the access.
Thankfully, the latest update from the police indicates that the child’s condition has improved and is no longer critical. The Johnson family, who manage the zoo, played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, with Chris Newman from the National Centre for Reptile Welfare praising their heroic actions.
The family remains deeply affected by the traumatic event, as highlighted by Newman’s statement about their emotional distress. The zoo at Johnsons of Old Hurst is home to various animals, including lions and tigers, with the crocodile house being established in 2009. Notably, none of the crocodiles involved in the incident were harmed or removed by the authorities.
