Family of boy, 3, 'thrown into' crocodile enclosure issue new health update after sixth surgery
The parents of the little boy who was allegedly thrown 15ft from a viewing platform and into a crocodile enclosure have issued an update on their 'little superhero'.
The brave three-year-old underwent his sixth surgery on Tuesday (7 July) at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, which comes nearly a month after the shocking incident at a UK zoo.
His family announced he has finally started smiling again - but said he still has 'a long way to go'.
It was announced earlier this week that a probe has been launched into the care of the 30-year-old man from Norfolk who was arrested after allegedly chucking the boy into a crocodile enclosure at Johnson's Zoo on 18 June.
Advert
He was taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder and later bailed, as police said he was 'not fit for interview'. It is understood the suspect has learning difficulties and had been on a trip with carers.
An inquiry under has been launched into the care he received, under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014.
These probes are carried out when a council believes that an adult in its area has care and support needs, is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect, and is unable to protect themselves due to those needs.
Norfolk County Council, who announced the inquiry, did not provide any care to the man.
The parents of the toddler at the heart of the case have previously told how they have been 'living at the hospital' since their son sustained serious injuries last month.
The family said they are facing 'very uncertain and unsettling time' when offering an update on his condition earlier this month, as doctors are still working to determine just how much damage has been done.
It remains unclear how much 'feeling, movement and function' the toddler will have in both of his arms, wrists and hands, his mother and father - who also have a newborn to take care of - said earlier.
The couple explained they have had to take time away from work and would be using money people have donated to a GoFundMe to help with their expenses, as well as to support their son’s rehabilitation.
Currently, the fundraiser has acquired more than £62,000 of its £75,000 target.
In an update shared on Wednesday (8 July), the parents offered some fresh information on how their little boy is doing after enduring half a dozen surgeries in such a short time period.
After thanking people for their support and generosity, the couple gave a shout-out to a young girl and her grandmother who kindly sent the three-year-old a superhero costume in a bid to cheer him up.
"He really is our little superhero and he has been so brave and resilient the past three weeks," the latest GoFundMe post read.
"We are still at the hospital and our son had his sixth surgery on Tuesday. The surgery was a success.
"A week ago, the surgeons had to do a skin graft in two places on his left arm. In this week's surgery, they confirmed that the grafts had taken and they were starting to heal.
"They were also able to look at all of his external wounds and are happy with the way that they are healing. This is all positive news and has really lifted our spirits."
'We are optimistic'
The family heaped praise on the 'amazing' NHS staff who have been tending to their son over the last three weeks.
"They have done so much to make our little boy smile, including dressing up as his favourite superheroes," the update continued. "This has been a relief for us to see - our boy being happy again.
"However, when celebrating the little wins we know there is still a long way to go.
"Although the external wounds are healing nicely, the nerve and tendon damage still brings uncertainty. Currently he has little movement in three of his left fingers and no movement in his right fingers.
"We spoke to the surgeons today and his nerves will take months to heal and recover before we are even able to tell what function he truly has. We are optimistic but know it is a long journey ahead. Thank you again for all your support and the love and care you have shown our little boy and our family. We are forever grateful."
Olivia Burke