Zoo proprietors speak out for first time since incident

THE proprietors of a zoo where a three-year-old boy was attacked by a crocodile after reportedly being thrown into its enclosure by a stranger have released a heartbreaking statement.

- By KIRSTIE MCCRUM, CATHERINE MACKINLAY

Andy and Tracey Johnson, who operate Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon, described the incident as “one of the most distressing” their family and staff had ever faced.

The couple broke their silence on the incident for the first time, expressing gratitude to emergency services, visitors and their own team for their rapid response on June 18, while confirming their thoughts remain with the young boy and his family as he continues to recover. The youngster remains at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge following serious injuries sustained when he was reportedly thrown approximately 15ft into the crocodile enclosure within the zoo's Tropical House.

He suffered a broken arm and a fractured pelvis after landing on a concrete walkway before falling into the water.

In a statement posted on social media, Mr and Mrs Johnson said: “A fortnight ago, our family and team at Johnsons of Old Hurst experienced one of the most distressing incidents in our history.