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During what should have been a pleasant family outing to Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire, a three-year-old boy suffered a grave injury after falling into the crocodile enclosure. The child was attacked by at least one crocodile and rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition two days after the incident, according to police reports.
The zoo, located in the village of Old Hurst near Huntingdon, houses over 100 animals, including lions, tigers, and various reptiles. Its crocodile house, established in 2009, contains species such as Nile crocodiles, broad-snouted caiman, and American alligators. These animals are kept in a converted barn with elevated walkways protected by metal fencing. Locals familiar with the site noted that the crocodile enclosure lies roughly 15 feet below the raised visitor platform and is enclosed by substantial fencing, including steel mesh around viewing areas. Visitors before the incident observed the crocodiles as calm and mostly still.
Authorities confirmed that zoo staff acted quickly to rescue the boy from the enclosure shortly after the attack, pulling him to safety. A close acquaintance of Johnsons praised staff member Tracey Johnson for her bravery, stating, “She put herself in immense danger. She’d always put her own life at risk to save someone else. She’s an extraordinary lady and very brave.” Emergency responders, including the Magpas Air Ambulance, treated the child on-site before his hospital transfer. A man from Norfolk was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder; he is described as white-British with learning disabilities, accompanied by carers during the zoo visit. Police released him on bail pending further investigation and noted he was unfit for interview due to his condition.
Local officials and authorities have expressed shock and sympathy over the event. Huntingdonshire District Council emphasized that the zoo’s license was recently renewed in 2024 after proper inspection, with public safety central to the approval process. They stated no prior reportable injuries related to the crocodile enclosure had been recorded. Support is ongoing for the boy’s family, with specially trained officers present at the hospital. Meanwhile, the zoo’s Tropical House, which contains the crocodile exhibit, remains closed out of respect for the affected family as investigations by police continue
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