A young boy, aged three, is still hospitalized nearly three weeks following an incident where he was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in the UK. The situation has now taken a concerning development.
Reports indicate that the child was thrown 15 feet into an enclosure containing over a dozen crocodiles at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire on June 18. He landed on a concrete walkway and was subsequently bitten by a crocodile, possibly a saltwater or Nile species.
The fall resulted in the boy sustaining a broken arm and pelvis. He has been receiving treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, with his parents staying on-site during his recovery period.
A 30-year-old male with a learning disability, who was at the zoo with two carers, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was released on bail as police determined he was unfit to be interviewed.
Norfolk County Council has initiated a Section 42 safeguarding investigation to assess the quality of care provided to the suspect, focusing on whether he was at risk of, or subjected to, abuse or neglect under the care provider’s supervision.
The council has halted all new referrals to the implicated care provider and is collaborating with health and care partners to review the support provided to other individuals by this organization.
A spokesperson for the council stated, according to the Telegraph, that the goal is to “identify and review all those individuals receiving care from this provider and to ensure the care they are receiving is of the quality and consistency they expect and deserve.”
The boy’s recovery journey remains lengthy and challenging. His parents have disclosed that he has undergone five surgeries since the incident and will require at least two more, including a nerve reconstruction on his arm. The doctors are still uncertain about the extent of movement he will retain in his hands and wrists.
A fundraising effort to assist the family with living expenses and the child’s rehabilitation has raised over £25,000. The boy’s parents expressed their gratitude, describing the support as invaluable during this “uncertain and unsettling time.”
Andy and Tracey Johnson, owners of the zoo, released a statement saying, “We were alerted to reports a child had allegedly been thrown into one of our crocodile enclosures in the Tropical House.
“Everyone on site that day acted with incredible speed and determination.
“Within minutes of the first radio call, the child had been rescued from the enclosure and was receiving first aid.
“The emergency services arrived very quickly, supported by the MAGPAS Air Ambulance.
“We cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in such difficult circumstances.
“We are immensely proud of our own staff, who responded without hesitation and did everything they could to help and support the child until the emergency services took over.”
UNILAD has reached out to Norfolk County Council and Johnsons of Old Hurst for comments.