The crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire is almost deserted as visitors stay away following the serious injury of a three-year-old boy
The crocodile enclosure at a zoo where a three-year-old boy was injured earlier this summer has been pictured near-empty during what would usually be the attraction’s peak season.
Scores of families were visiting Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire this week during the height of the school holidays.
Yet only a handful ventured into the Tropical House, where the unnamed child sustained serious injuries after being bitten by at least one crocodile.
One visitor, who spent ten minutes inside the building, encountered just a single adult accompanied by a young child, thought to be around seven years old, while families with pushchairs walked straight past the entrance.
In photographs and footage captured inside, the ordinarily bustling elevated walkways, fitted with safety fencing, stood deserted, with the atmosphere described as “quiet and sombre”.
Notices displayed both inside and outside the Tropical House state that children must be supervised at all times, and caution against carrying them on shoulders or allowing them near handrails.
The building houses several crocodile species, including Nile, Saltwater, and Siamese.
A visitor said that the remainder of the zoo, which features a steakhouse, tea room, and shop, was thriving with families taking advantage of the school holidays.
Police were called to the family-run zoo on June 18 following reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure.
A 30-year-old man, believed to have learning difficulties and who had been on a day out with his carers, was arrested but subsequently released on bail after being deemed not fit for interview.
Owner Tracey Johnson, 55, was praised as a hero after she rushed into the crocodile enclosure to rescue the boy, despite the presence of at least two sizeable Nile crocodiles.
Chris Newman, 67, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, described Tracey as “a very courageous and brave lady”.
The boy, whose identity has not been disclosed, is now in a stable condition following the ordeal, and has been receiving treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for approximately six weeks.
His family have revealed that the youngster underwent a nerve graft on his left arm, with hopes that it will restore movement in his hand.
They also said that he endured an arduous 12-hour surgical procedure shortly after the incident, during which he sustained severe tissue damage to both arms, his neck, head and face.
In a statement posted by the boy’s grandmother, the family said: “We were unsure if our son was going to make it and that was the worst feeling in the world.
“The cheeky little boy that we love so much is talking to the nurses, playing using his feet and smiling again. We are amazed at how far he has come.”
Norfolk County Council has launched an inquiry under the Care Act 2014, although they did not provide any care for the man who was arrested.
The Section 42 inquiry is a statutory safeguarding process designed to protect adults with care and support needs from abuse or neglect.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to aid the boy’s recovery and rehabilitation, while also providing the family with financial security as they support him during his hospital stay and in the months ahead.
The link can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-the-family-of-3yr-old-injured-in-crocodile-enclosure.
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