UMVA has learned that a harrowing incident occurred at a family-owned zoo attraction in Huntingdonshire, where a three-year-old boy fell into a crocodile enclosure and was seriously injured.
The boy was rushed to Addenbrooke's Hospital with severe injuries after landing on the concrete surface and rolling into the water. He remains in a critical but stable condition.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the emergency services were called to the zoo on Church Street, Huntingdon, which is led by Andy Johnson, a fourth-generation farmer. The zoo started as a dairy farm before expanding into the current attraction featuring a butcher's, farm shop, a tea room, a steakhouse, and the zoo.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the zoo's owners, including Andy Johnson, have a particular fascination with crocodiles and have been involved with the animals for 20 years. Johnson's zoo houses several crocodilians along with big cats like lions and tigers, and bears and other exotic animals.
The incident has left the community in shock, with a local resident telling UMVA that the wife of the zoo owner, Tracey Johnson, jumped into the enclosure to save the child. The family's bravery and quick thinking have been widely praised.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said that their inquiries are ongoing as they continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts remain with the boy and his family, and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.
The zoo's management has released a statement expressing their thoughts and prayers for the boy and his family. Out of respect for the family, the Tropical House will remain closed until further notice.
A wildlife expert who knows the farm and its owners told UMVA that the conditions for the animals at the family farm are pristine and they are well fed. The expert, Chris Newman, director at the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, said that crocodiles are reactionary animals and that it would be the natural reaction of the crocodile to bite down, but it would be an investigatory bite because they are so well fed.
The incident has raised questions about the safety measures in place at the zoo and the circumstances surrounding the boy's fall into the crocodile enclosure. UMVA will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
