UK3 min(s) read
Published 12:29 22 Jun 2026 GMT
Police have confirmed that a three-year-old boy who was thrown into a crocodile enclosure and attacked by one of the animals is now in a stable condition in hospital.
The child suffered serious injuries after the traumatic incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK, on Thursday (June 18).
On Monday morning (June 22), Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the child was receiving treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and was no longer in a critical condition.
A police spokesperson said: "The boy is no longer critical and is in a stable condition in hospital," per BBC News.
The child, who is from Cambridgeshire, had been visiting the zoo with his family when the incident unfolded at about 1:34PM.
Staff members, including zoo owners Tracey and Andy Johnson, are said to have jumped into the enclosure to save him.
Police confirmed the crocodiles have not been seized or killed following the attack.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the incident.
However, police have since released him on bail until September 18 after determining he was not fit to be interviewed, Peterborough Today reported.
Officers said the suspect was "assessed as not being fit for interview".
The man is believed to have learning disabilities and was reportedly visiting the zoo as part of a trip with carers. Police have also stressed that they do not believe the suspect knew the child.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: "At this stage, we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances.
"We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other," McCann continued. "Officers are supporting the boy's family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them."
Police confirmed no other arrests have been made and no further interviews under caution have taken place.
Following the incident, Johnsons of Old Hurst said the family's welfare remains its priority.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today," the zoo shared in a statement. "Out of respect to the family, our Tropical House will remain closed until further notice.
"If you have any questions about the incident, please direct enquiries to Cambridgeshire Police Constabulary. The rest of the site will remain open as normal."
Johnsons of Old Hurst houses more than 100 animals, including lions and tigers. The site includes a farm, café, and butcher's shop that opened 20 years ago, while its crocodile house was built in 2009.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing.
.webp_ke6C2y?tr=cr-169.8.1505.1344,f-webp,q-70,w-100)