Major replace after boy, 3, ‘thrown in crocodile enclosure’ at UK zoo
Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdon has posted an update on social media, nine days after a three-year-old boy was seriously injured in the crocodile enclosure
A boy was allegedly ‘thrown’ into the enclosure(Image: Newsquest / SWNS)
The crocodile enclosure where a three-year-old boy was gravely injured following an attack by at least one of the creatures has reopened its doors to the public. Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdon confirmed via a social media post that its “whole site will be fully open” on Saturday, nine days after a child was injured in the crocodile pit.
In a post dated June 27, it announced: “Public announcement. As of this weekend, our whole site will be fully open, thank you.” A spokesperson for the zoo confirmed to Press Association that this indeed included the crocodile attraction.
Zoo enthusiasts took to Instagram to express their delight that the venue had now fully reopened after the Tropical House, which houses the crocodile enclosure, was shut down following the incident on June 18.
One commented: “Brilliant, and well done to all involved with the recent event.”
The boy, from Cambridgeshire, who is now stable in hospital, was allegedly tossed into the pit and attacked by at least one crocodile.
He was rushed to hospital, where his condition was initially described as critical.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but later released on bail after he was “assessed as not being fit for interview”, according to Cambridgeshire Police.
The suspect reportedly has learning difficulties and had been on an outing with carers.
The lad reportedly suffered “serious injuries” in the enclosure but was allegedly rescued by Tracey Johnson, the wife of the zoo owner, who leapt into the pit to save him.
In the meantime, an inquiry has been initiated after the medical records of the boy were accessed by approximately 40 hospital staff members.
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) has reported itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and is probing whether all the employees had a valid reason for viewing his data.
