A young child, aged three, was swiftly taken to the hospital in critical condition after allegedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure by a man at a zoo in Cambridgeshire. The incident occurred at Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, prompting a police response around 1:30 pm on Thursday. The child sustained severe injuries from the ordeal.
Subsequently, a 30-year-old man from Norfolk was apprehended on suspicion of attempted murder. The injured boy was transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he is currently in a “critical but stable” state. Specialized officers are providing support to the family during this challenging period.
Authorities have clarified that the man and the child did not have any prior association with each other, as confirmed by Cambridgeshire Constabulary. MP Ben Obese-Jecty expressed concern over the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, emphasizing the ongoing criminal investigation and urging against online speculation.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann mentioned ongoing efforts to gather information from witnesses present at the zoo during the distressing incident. The police are diligently working to understand the circumstances surrounding the event. The family of the boy is receiving assistance at the hospital, with thoughts and prayers extended to them.
Johnson’s of Old Hurst, a family-run farm business, incorporates a variety of amenities including a butchers, farm shop, tea room, steakhouse, and a zoo housing over 100 animals such as lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras, meerkats, and crocodiles. The zoo’s history reveals that the crocodiles were initially introduced for waste meat disposal but eventually became a central feature. The enclosure comprises metal-fenced elevated walkways overlooking pools of water amid tropical greenery.
In response to the incident, the zoo authorities have decided to close the Tropical House out of respect for the family affected. The rest of the site remains operational, while inquiries can be directed to Cambridgeshire Police Constabulary regarding the incident. Local residents expressed shock over the event, emphasizing the tragic nature of the situation and hoping for the boy’s recovery.
Witnesses nearby described the scene as emergency services swiftly responded, including the arrival of an air ambulance. The safety measures in place at the zoo, particularly the crocodile enclosure, were noted by residents who had previously visited the attraction and felt secure during their visits. Councillor Charlotte Lowe expressed disbelief at the incident, highlighting the safety protocols in place at Johnson’s of Old Hurst zoo and the community’s collective shock over the event.
The tragic incident at the zoo has generated widespread concern and raised questions about the circumstances leading to the child’s presence in the crocodile enclosure. The community and authorities continue to investigate the matter as the family receives support during this challenging time.