Zoo owner shares details of ‘distressing’ moment boy, 3, was ‘thrown into crocodile enclosure’

The zoo owners who rescued a three-year-old boy from a crocodile enclosure have said the incident was one of the most 'distressing' in the zoo's history.

On 18 June, a youngster visiting Johnson's Zoo in Old Hurst ended up in a crocodile enclosure, after allegedly being thrown 15ft from a viewing platform and into a crocodile enclosure by a stranger.

A 30-year-old man, who is believed to have learning difficulties, was arrested on suspicion of murder and later released on bail, after police determined that he was 'not fit for interview'.

Now the Johnson family, who run the Cambridgeshire zoo, have broken their silence on the incident, sharing a lengthy statement on social media.

"A fortnight ago, our family and team at Johnsons of Old Hurst experienced one of the most distressing incidents in our history," the statement, shared on the zoo's social media, read.

"We were alerted to reports that a child had allegedly been thrown into one of our crocodile enclosures in the Tropical House.

(Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

"Everyone who was on site that day acted with incredible speed and determination. Within minutes of the first radio call, the child had been rescued from the enclosure and was receiving first aid.

"The emergency services arrived very quickly, supported by the MAGPAS Air Ambulance, and we cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in such difficult circumstances."

The Johnsons went on to express their 'heartfelt thanks' to other visitors who stepped forward to help, which included off-duty paramedics and police officers, noting that their 'calm and immediate actions made a real difference'.

"We are immensely proud of our own staff, who responded without hesitation and did everything they could to help and support the child until the emergency services took over," the statement continued.

"The kindness we have received from our local community and from people across the country has been overwhelming.

Zoo owner Andy Johnson, seen after the incident (Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

"Every message of support, every kind word and every expression of concern has meant a great deal to our family and our team during an incredibly difficult time."

The family concluded the statement by sharing their well wishes for the young boy involved, adding: "Thank you for standing with us. Above all, our thoughts remain with the young boy and his family.

"We continue to hope and pray for his speedy recovery and ask that they are given the privacy, compassion and support they need at this time."

Zoo co-owner Tracey Johnson has been widely praised for her quick-thinking heroics, diving into the enclosure to help the young boy, being followed by her husband Andrew and their son, Edward.

The quick thinking actions of Tracey Johnson saved the boy from further harm (SWNS)

Meanwhile, the family of the boy spoke out for the first time, saying it was an 'extremely challenging' time for the youngster.

"We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure," a statement issued on the boy's condition read.

“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."