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Family Of Boy, 3, Thrown Into Crocodile Enclosure Issue Heartbreaking Health Update
The family of the three-year-old boy who was attacked by a crocodile after being thrown into its enclosure have issued a heartbreaking health update.
The toddler was rushed to hospital with serious injuries in Cambridgeshire, in the UK, on June 18, following the terrifying incident at Johnsons Zoo near Huntingdon.
Initial reports said the boy was in a critical condition, however police have since confirmed his condition is no longer critical.
The horrific ordeal saw the young boy, who has not been named, being thrown into a crocodile enclosure, where he was attacked by at least one of the three giant reptiles, before being rescued by zoo staff.
Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
A man in his thirties was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, but was later released on bail after officers determined he was ‘unfit for interview.’
The suspect, who police believe was not known to the child, is understood to have learning disabilities and had been visiting the zoo with two carers on the day of the incident.
He remains on bail until September 18, while police said he was ‘assessed as not being fit for interview.’
Detectives from the Major Crime Unit are now reviewing CCTV footage as they work to establish exactly what happened in the lead-up to the shocking incident.
The man was said to be visiting the zoo with two carers, who will now reportedly face major safeguarding investigations after eyewitnesses claimed they were ‘staring at their phones’ when the horrific events unfolded.
A strict Section 42 inquiry has been launched by council leaders to establish if the 30-year-old suspect is himself a victim of abuse or neglect, the Daily Star reports.
Norfolk County Council issued a statement confirming it is collaborating with ‘partners in the health and care system to identify and review all those individuals receiving care from this provider.’
Zoo staff praised for rescuing child
The zoo, owned and operated by the Johnson family, previously featured in the ITV documentary Britain’s Tiger Kings, presented by Ross Kemp.
During the two-part series, owner Andrew Johnson sparked controversy after saying he hoped to be fed to his crocodiles and alligators after his death.
In the aftermath of the incident, however, Andrew, his wife Tracey and their youngest son Edward have all been widely praised for their swift actions in helping rescue the young boy and preventing further harm.
Tracey is said to have been the first to react, climbing into the crocodile enclosure to reach the child, before being joined by Andrew and Edward. The trio have since been hailed as heroes.
Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, told the BBC that the family had been left deeply shaken by what happened.
“Tracey was the first on the scene, but she was then joined by her husband Andy and their youngest son Edward. All three were involved in the rescue,” he said.
“All three were heroes… they’re a close-knit family and they’re still quite shaken by it.”
Family of boy issue health update
The family of the young boy have since shared a health update with those who have donated to their GoFundMe, which will support the family financially while living at the hospital where he is receiving his care.
It was previously reported that the child had suffered a broken arm and a broken pelvis, among other injuries.
His dad, who previously confirmed that any leftover donations will support the boys rehabilitation journey, said the child has ‘little movement in three of his left fingers and no movement in his right fingers’.
“We are still at the hospital and our son had his sixth surgery on Tuesday. The surgery was a success,” he wrote.
“A week ago, the surgeons had to do a skin graft in two places on his left arm. In this weeks surgery they confirmed that the grafts had taken and they were starting to heal.”
Doctors were also able to look at all the boy’s external wounds and fortunately are happy with the way they are healing.
“This is all positive news and has really lifted our spirits. A special thank you goes to all the amazing people who work at Addenbrooke’s hospital,” the father continued.
“They have done so much to make our little boy smile including dressing up as his favorite superheroes. This has been a relief for us to see – our boy being happy again.
“He really is our little superhero and he has been so brave and resilient the past three weeks. However, when celebrating the little wins we know there is still a long way to go. Although the external wounds are healing nicely, the nerve and tendon damage still brings uncertainty.
“Currently he has little movement in three of his left fingers and no movement in his right fingers. We spoke to the surgeons today and his nerves will take months to heal and recover before we are even able to tell what function he truly has.”
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