Here zookeeper Tracey Johnson risked her life when she jumped into a pit full of crocodiles to save a boy, 3, who had been allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo
New information regarding the heroic rescue of a boy, three, who was left seriously injured after allegedly been thrown in a crocodile ensured, has been revealed.
Zookeeper Tracey Johnson, who owns and runs Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo with her husband Andy, was first to jump in the crocodile enclosure when the horror incident unfolded.
Cambridgeshire Police said the boy “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo”. Police were called to the zoo at 1.24pm on Thursday (June 18) by the ambulance service to reports that a three-year-old boy had suffered serious injuries.
The boy remains in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, the force said. It is understood that he was attacked by at least one crocodile after he was allegedly thrown into the enclosure.
Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, told The Times that he spoke to the Johnson family and learned that Tracey was not the only member of the family to jump into the enclosure to try and save the boy. Her husband Andy and her son also came joined her in what Newman called a “team effort” in rescuing the child.
He said: “We mustn’t underestimate how much of a difference Tracey made. She was first in there. She jumped in and dealt with an awful situation.
“She was then joined by her husband and son. It was a team effort. They are a resilient family but they are distraught. Their thoughts and concerns are for the child.”
The man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident reportedly has learning difficulties and had been on a trip with a carer.
Cambridgeshire Police said the 30-year-old arrested man, from Norfolk, was “assessed as not being fit for interview” after Thursday’s incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst. He has been released on bail until September 18.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: “Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.
“Our thoughts remain with the boy and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”
In a statement on social media, the Johnsons said that “out of respect to the family” Tropical House will remain closed until further notice.
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