UMVA has learned that a harrowing incident unfolded at a family-owned zoo attraction in Huntingdonshire, leaving a three-year-old boy in critical condition after falling into a crocodile pit.
The incident occurred at Johnson's of Old Hurst, a popular family farm and zoo led by Andy Johnson, a fourth-generation farmer known for his passion for exotic animals. The zoo, which started as a dairy farm, has expanded to feature a butcher's, farm shop, a tea room, a steakhouse, and a zoo housing various animals, including crocodiles, big cats, and bears.
According to information obtained by UMVA, a 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been detained and is being questioned by detectives from the major crime unit. The boy's family is being supported by officers at the hospital, and the zoo's Tropical House has been closed until further notice out of respect for the family.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the zoo's owners are known for their dedication to animal welfare, with a wildlife expert describing the conditions for the animals at the farm as pristine. The expert noted that the crocodiles are well-fed, with a diet of meat like poultry and cuts from the farm's own butchers.
A local resident reported that the zoo owner's wife, Tracey Johnson, bravely jumped into the enclosure to save the child. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their concern for the boy's well-being and the safety of the zoo.
The zoo's social media account reveals a deep passion for crocodiles, which are at the core of the zoo's history and journey. The farm is home to several crocodilians, including Nile crocodiles named Romeo and Cuddles, as well as alligators and caimans.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the incident is being thoroughly investigated, with police speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of the incident to understand more about the circumstances. The investigation aims to determine how the child ended up in the crocodile pit and what measures can be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
A reptile welfare expert, who has visited the zoo several times, emphasized that crocodiles are reactionary animals and should not be blamed for their natural response. The expert noted that even an investigatory bite from a crocodile can be serious and that the zoo's owners are "lovely people" who will be devastated by the incident.
The incident has raised awareness about the power and ferocity of crocodiles, with facts revealing that saltwater crocodiles can grow up to 19 feet in length and have one of the strongest bite forces of any living animal. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting these wild animals and their habitats.
