The family of a young boy who was seriously injured in a crocodile attack say his recovery will be “extremely challenging”.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident, where the three-year-old ended up in the crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo in Cambridgeshire on 18 June.
The man was later bailed, with police saying he was “assessed as not being fit for interview”.
On Wednesday, the boy’s family said: “We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure.
“We are truly grateful for the public support and well-wishes we have received, as well as to everyone who has been directly involved in our son’s care and recovery in hospital.
“Our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.”
The force said that the boy remains in Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge “in a stable condition and faces a long road to recovery”.
The suspect in the case reportedly has learning difficulties and had been on a trip with carers.
Police said the boy was “injured by a crocodile” after allegedly being thrown into the enclosure.
Police were called to the zoo at 1.24pm by the ambulance service to reports that a three-year-old boy had suffered serious injuries.
Cambridgeshire Police said the boy “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo”.
Tracey Johnson, the zoo’s co-owner, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.
Police said the boy “received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital”.
A fundraising page has been set up to support his recovery and rehabilitation, as well as to provide the family with financial stability while they support him in hospital.
A description on the page hails the “extraordinary bravery and quick actions of those nearby” in rescuing the boy.
It said he had underdone “multiple surgeries” and “is now stable, but he faces a long road to recovery”.
“His parents are currently by his side in hospital, supporting him through both immediate and ongoing care physically and psychologically,” the author of the fundraising page continued.
Should any funds remain after meeting the family’s needs, they will be donated to charities and organisations within the Addenbrooke’s Trust.
