Arabic version: حديقة الحيوان تواجه أزمة بعد هجوم تمساح على زائر صغير

The family that owns Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire has described a recent crocodile attack as “one of the most distressing incidents in our history”. A three-year-old boy was seriously injured after entering a crocodile enclosure on 18 June. According to BBC News, the boy was attacked by at least one crocodile before being rescued by staff who responded quickly to the emergency.

Following the incident, police arrested and bailed a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. The Johnson family expressed their gratitude on social media, thanking visitors, including off-duty paramedics and police officers, for their immediate assistance during the crisis. They highlighted the significant impact of the community’s support during this challenging time.

The boy, who was visiting the zoo with his family, suffered serious injuries “while in the enclosure”. He is currently in stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. The Johnsons emphasized their pride in their staff, who acted without hesitation to help the child until emergency services arrived.

The zoo, located on a family-run farm, features over 100 animals, including lions, tigers, and meerkats, and has housed crocodilians since 2006. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at the facility, prompting ongoing investigations by local authorities.