A horrifying incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire, UK, left a three-year-old boy with serious injuries after he was allegedly thrown into a crocodile pit by a stranger.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon (June 18, 2026) when the toddler was visiting the zoo with his mother and baby sibling. According to reports, the boy was hurled approximately 15 feet into the tropical house enclosure, which houses up to 15 crocodiles and alligators. He landed on a concrete walkway, suffering a suspected broken arm and pelvis, before ending up in the water where he was attacked by at least one crocodile (believed to be either a saltwater or Nile crocodile).

Heroic Rescue by Zoo Owners

Zoo owners Tracey and Andrew Johnson, along with their son Edward, acted quickly. Tracey jumped into the enclosure first to rescue the child, followed by her husband. The family bravely pried the boy from the grip of one of the crocodiles and pulled him to safety within minutes. Off-duty paramedics and police also assisted at the scene.

The boy was treated at the scene and airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in critical but stable condition. He has undergone multiple surgeries and faces further operations and rehabilitation. His family has launched a GoFundMe campaign that has raised nearly £50,000 to support his recovery.

Investigation and Arrest

Cambridgeshire Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder. He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries. The suspect, who has learning difficulties, was at the zoo with two carers at the time. Police are now reviewing CCTV footage and assessing the role of the carers who were responsible for supervising him.

Detectives from the major crimes unit continue to investigate the circumstances. The man is not known to the victim’s family.

The zoo’s tropical house has been closed out of respect for the family. The owners expressed their thoughts and prayers for the boy’s recovery.

This tragic event has shocked the local community and highlighted concerns over supervision of vulnerable individuals in public spaces with dangerous animals. Updates on the boy’s condition and the ongoing police probe are expected in the coming days.

Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39651578/carers-probed-after-boy-tossed-into-crocodile-pit/