The crocodile attack is the worst day in our history, says the zoo

The family of a zoo where a three-year-old boy was seriously injured after a crocodile entered its enclosure said the incident was “one of the saddest incidents in our history”.

The boy was attacked by at least one crocodile at Johnson’s of Oldhurst, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on June 18.

The Johnsons, who own the site, said crews responded to the crisis “within minutes of the first radio call” and the child was rescued and given first aid shortly thereafter.

Police have arrested a 30-year-old man suspected of attempted murder and granted bail.

In a statement on social media, Johnsons said: “We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the visitors, including off-duty paramedics and police officers, whose calm and quick actions made a real difference.

The boy, from Cambridgeshire, was visiting the zoo with his family and was “seriously injured while in the enclosure”, Cambridgeshire Police said earlier.

The Johnsons said they had received “amazing” kindness “from the local community and people from all over the country”.

“We are very proud of our own staff who responded without hesitation and did everything they could to help and support the child,” he added.

Cambridgeshire Police said they were called to the zoo at 13:34 BST following the incident.

The boy’s family said on Wednesday: “We want to thank the zoo staff who rescued our boy from captivity … Our focus remains on his recovery and supporting him through this very difficult and long time.”

Officials said the boy remained in a stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Based on a family-run farm in Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, the zoo has more than 100 animals, including lions, tigers and meerkats.

Crocodiles first He arrived at the farm in 2006 And species now include, broad snouted caiman, Nile crocodiles and American alligators.

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