Major update issued after boy, 3, ‘thrown’ into crocodile enclosure and attacked

A zoo where a three-year-old boy was attacked by crocodiles has announced “our site will be fully open” as it reopened the enclosure just nine days after the terrifying incident. Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, confirmed its Tropical House had reopened to visitors on Saturday after closing the attraction “out of respect to the family” after the child was allegedly thrown into the enclosure. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

In a Facebook post, the zoo said: “Public announcement: as of this weekend, our site will be fully open, thank you.” The three-year-old boy, from Cambridgeshire, suffered serious injuries after ending up inside the enclosure while visiting the zoo with his family. Police believe he was attacked by at least one crocodile before staff members pulled him to safety. He was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Last week, Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the youngster was no longer critically ill and was in a stable condition in hospital.

Police believe the suspect, who was not known to the child, has learning disabilities and had been visiting the zoo with carers.

Speaking to the BBC, Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, said he had spoken to the Johnson family after the incident and described them as being “all very distraught”.

He said zoo owners Tracey and Andy Johnson, together with their youngest son, were all involved in rescuing the boy.

Mr Newman said: “All three were heroes… they’re a close-knit family and they’re still quite shaken by it.”

The zoo’s weekend announcement prompted an outpouring of support online, with many welcoming the attraction’s reopening and wishing the injured youngster well.

One woman wrote: “First of all, our thoughts and prayers are with the youngster involved, their family and friends and anyone who witnessed what happened. Wishing the little one a speedy recovery.

“Secondly, Johnson’s of old Hurst, you’re an amazing little zoo. We have been bringing our kids here since they were v.v.little, they are now 13yrs and 18yrs and they love it more and more.”

Another said: “I’m so pleased to hear this whilst thoughts our first and foremost with the little boy who was injured, however this in now way reflects on you as a business or a family.”

One man added: “Best reptile house I’ve ever been to – the Amazonian rain forest type planting in the centre is wonderful – and to get such aerial views of the crocs is fascinating.”

The Tropical House is home to several crocodilian species, including Nile crocodiles, broad-snouted caiman and American alligators, which are kept inside a converted barn. Visitors view the animals from elevated walkways protected by metal fencing.

Johnsons of Old Hurst, in the village of Old Hurst north of Huntingdon, is home to more than 100 animals, including lions and tigers.

The fully licensed attraction also features a farm, café and butcher’s shop, which opened 20 years ago, while the crocodile house was built in 2009.