Expert explains 'catastrophic' situation after toddler allegedly thrown into croc enclosure at UK zoo
A reptile expert has revealed what would've happened if the three-year-old boy allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure had landed next to one of the creatures.
Yesterday (18 June), a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at Johnsons Zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, after an incident saw the toddler end up inside the attraction's crocodile enclosure.
The youngster was rescued from the enclosure and taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old man arrested, who is not known to the boy, was released on bail after being assessed as 'not being fit for interview'.
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Now, a reptile expert has weighed in on the situation, telling MailOnline the boy was likely landed on a concrete surface and rolled into the water rather than next to a crocodile, as he would've been immediately bitten.
"If a child landed next to a crocodile, I absolutely would expect that animal to react and snap," Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, said.
Newman went on to explain that although crocodiles kept in enclosures are typically 'well-fed' they would be likely to bite another creature (or person) which landed nearby them.
"I wouldn't expect them to eat a child, but it would bite a child if it landed on it or by it," he continued.
"That's where the trouble would come - they have such a powerful bite. Even an investigatory bite would be catastrophic."
Reports suggest the boy was rescued thanks to the heroic actions of Tracey Johnson, the zoo owner’s wife, who selflessly jumped in to save him.
The zoo has since released a statement regarding the incident, confirming that the crocodile enclosure will remain closed until 'further notice'.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today," the statement read.
"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. Thank you."
Meanwhile, a statement from Cambridge police Det Insp Verity McCann added: "Our enquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.
"Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time."
No further details have been released about the man arrested, with Eastern Daily Press reporting that the reason he was deemed unfit for interview was due to learning difficulties.
Brenna Cooper