A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been apprehended on suspicion of attempted murder following a severe incident involving a three-year-old boy in the crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. It is believed that Tracy Johnson, a zoo keeper and wife of owner Andy Johnson, entered the enclosure in an attempt to rescue the young child.
Cambridgeshire Police and a medical helicopter responded to the scene yesterday afternoon. The child was airlifted to the hospital. Authorities are investigating whether the boy’s injuries were caused by an animal attack or a fall within the enclosure. The detained man reportedly had no prior connection to the child or his family.
The zoo’s tropical house, which houses the crocodile exhibit, has been temporarily closed “out of respect for the family.” Zoo staff are continuing to tend to the animals within the repurposed barn, as reported by the BBC.
An anticipated museum opening, intended to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the farm shop, was scheduled for this weekend. It remains uncertain whether the opening will proceed. Police are currently questioning witnesses who were present at the zoo during the incident.