3yo falls into zoo enclosure despite high fences and is critically injured by a crocodile. Then the police make an arrest for attempted murder

A three-year-old boy remains in a critical but stable condition after suffering serious injuries in a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in the United Kingdom. According to the BBC, the boy was attacked by at least one crocodile after ending up in the animal enclosure on Thursday. The incident occurred at the Johnsons of Old Hurst facility near Huntingdon, leading to an immediate investigation by local authorities.

He had been visiting the zoo with his family and was pulled out of the enclosure by zoo staff. He received urgent medical treatment at the scene from a critical care team before being transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. In a statement, Det Insp Verity McCann of Cambridgeshire Police told PEOPLE, “Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.”

Now, a 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Per McCann, “We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.” The suspect has been bailed until September 18, though authorities noted he was considered “unfit for interview” due to his physical or mental state. It has been reported that the man has learning disabilities and was at the zoo with carers, though not as part of an organised group visit.

Per reports, the enclosure is well protected

BBC reported that the zoo, which operates as a family-run farm featuring a butcher’s, tea room, and steakhouse, houses over 100 animals, including African lions and a Bengal tiger. The crocodile collection arrived at the farm in 2006. 

It reportedly includes Nile crocodiles, American alligators, and broad-snouted caiman. These animals are kept in a converted cattle barn, which features metal-fenced elevated walkways looking down on large pools of water surrounded by tropical vegetation.

One visitor, Mike Annicelli, who had previously visited the attraction, noted to the outlet that the enclosure featured a raised platform with fencing along the walkways that stood approximately four feet high, with the crocodiles located about 15 feet below the viewing area. Charlotte Lowe, who represents the county council noted that the enclosure also included Perspex glass. 

Huntingdonshire District Council, which is responsible for licensing the facility, confirmed with the BBC that the zoo is fully licensed, stating, “Its licence was renewed in 2024 following the statutory inspection and approval process. Public safety is a fundamental consideration in the licensing regime, including the suitability of animal enclosures and visitor barriers.” The council confirmed they were not aware of any previous reportable accidents or incidents involving the crocodile enclosure.

Chris Newman, the director of the National Centre For Reptile Welfare, told the BBC, “It’s a reactatory animal. So, if something splashes next to it, surprises it, something jumps, his natural reaction is to turn and bite, and it would just be an investigative bite. They would quite often bite and let go.” He also praised the actions of Tracey Johnson, who works at the zoo, for her “remarkable bravery” in entering the enclosure to pull the boy to safety.

In the aftermath of the incident, Johnson’s of Old Hurst issued a public statement. “Out of respect to the family, our Tropical House will remain closed until further notice,” they continued. “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.”

Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty posted on Facebook to ask people to “refrain from speculation online” while the authorities treat the matter as a critical incident. As of now, police have confirmed with BBC that the crocodiles involved in the attack have not been seized or killed. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage to get all the details of the event

In United States, there have been two recent incidents with Alligators. In Louisiana, a man fleeing from a DWI stop jumped into the swamp, where he was attacked before he was arrested. In Florida, a man is suing a tour company after a trip with them resulted in injuries to his face. He stated that he should have been warned of the animal’s “vicious nature.”