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Jun 29, 2026

Major update issued after boy, 3, 'thrown' into crocodile enclosure and attacked

UK zoo issues reopening statement after 9 day closure

A three-year-old boy was allegedly thrown into the zoo's crocodile enclosure.

Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add as a preferred source on Google Add us as preferred source By Catherine Mackinlay, News Reporter 08:54, Mon, Jun 29, 2026 Updated: 08:56, Mon, Jun 29, 2026

The crocodiles at Johnson’s of Old Hurst the crocodile farm in Cambridgeshire

The crocodiles at Johnson’s of Old Hurst the crocodile farm in Cambridgeshire (Image: SWNS)

A zoo where a three-year-old boy was attacked by crocodiles has announced "our site will be fully open" as it reopened the enclosure just nine days after the terrifying incident. Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, confirmed its Tropical House had reopened to visitors on Saturday after closing the attraction "out of respect to the family" after the child was allegedly thrown into the enclosure. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

In a Facebook post, the zoo said: "Public announcement: as of this weekend, our site will be fully open, thank you." The three-year-old boy, from Cambridgeshire, suffered serious injuries after ending up inside the enclosure while visiting the zoo with his family. Police believe he was attacked by at least one crocodile before staff members pulled him to safety. He was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. Last week, Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the youngster was no longer critically ill and was in a stable condition in hospital.

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Police believe the suspect, who was not known to the child, has learning disabilities and had been visiting the zoo with carers.

Speaking to the BBC, Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, said he had spoken to the Johnson family after the incident and described them as being "all very distraught".

He said zoo owners Tracey and Andy Johnson, together with their youngest son, were all involved in rescuing the boy.

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