THE owners of the family zoo where a three-year-old boy was thrown into a crocodile enclosure have told of their horror and sent “hope and prayers” to the youngster.
Andy and Tracey Johnson also said they were “proud” of their staff for jumping into the crocodile enclosure to rescue the youngster.
The boy faces a long road to recovery and is still being treated at Addenbrook’s Hospital in Cambridge.
He is thought to have plunged 15 feet and was bitten by a crocodile when he was hurled over a four-foot barrier at Johnsons of Old Hurst, in Cambridgeshire, on June 18.
In their first public statement, the couple said: “A fortnight ago, our family and team at Johnsons of Old Hurst experienced one of the most distressing incidents in our history.
“We were alerted to reports that a child had allegedly been thrown into one of our crocodile enclosures in the Tropical House.
“Everyone who was on site that day acted with incredible speed and determination. Within minutes of the first radio call, the child had been rescued from the enclosure and was receiving first aid.
“The emergency services arrived very quickly, supported by the MAGPAS Air Ambulance, and we cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in such difficult circumstances.
“We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the visitors who stepped forward to help, including off-duty paramedics and police officers, whose calm and immediate actions made a real difference.
“We are immensely proud of our own staff, who responded without hesitation and did everything they could to help and support the child until the emergency services took over.
“The kindness we have received from our local community and from people across the country has been overwhelming.
“Every message of support, every kind word and every expression of concern has meant a great deal to our family and our team during an incredibly difficult time.
“Thank you for standing with us. Above all, our thoughts remain with the young boy and his family.
“We continue to hope and pray for his speedy recovery and ask that they are given the privacy, compassion and support they need at this time.”
Earlier this week, a family friend of the young boy started a fundraising page which has seen well-wishers give £22,000 in support so far.
The fundraiser added: “Every donation, no matter the size, will support the family by giving them the financial stability they need as they navigate through this difficult time.”
A 30-year-old man, who was with his carers when the incident happened and did not know the boy, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Police deemed him unfit for interview and he was released on bail.
