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 would be back in operation starting this weekend, after the disturbing incident that left the young boy critically injured by one of the reptiles.
In an update dated June 27, the zoo stated that their entire site, including the crocodile attraction, would be fully accessible to the public. The Tropical House, housing the crocodile enclosure, had been temporarily closed following the incident on June 18, but now fans of the zoo expressed relief on Instagram about its full reopening.
The boy, a resident of Cambridgeshire, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after the attack. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was later released on bail due to being deemed unfit for questioning by the authorities.
Reports indicate that the suspect, who has learning difficulties and was under the care of supervisors during the outing, accessed the enclosure where the child suffered serious injuries. Fortunately, Tracey Johnson, the wife of the zoo owner, leaped into the pit to rescue the boy.
Following a breach where around 40 hospital staff members accessed the child’s medical records, an investigation has been initiated by Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) to ensure the privacy breach is addressed appropriately.
The child’s condition has since stabilized, no longer classified as critical. Members of the Johnson family, actively involved in the rescue, were praised for their swift actions by Chris Newman, the director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare.
Newman lauded the family’s heroic efforts, noting that they are deeply affected by the distressing incident. The child, on a family visit to the zoo, was allegedly thrown into the animal’s enclosure by the stranger, resulting in the arrest of the man from Norfolk on attempted murder charges.
The zoo at Johnsons of Old Hurst is home to a diverse array of animals, including lions and tigers, with the crocodile house established in 2009. Authorities confirmed that none of the crocodiles were harmed or removed from the premises.