What to Know
Unfortunately, there have been multiple stories about children who managed to get into animal enclosures at the zoo. These stories are always terrifying, but a recent incident in the United Kingdom is getting a lot of attention because it involves a stranger who allegedly threw a three-year-old toddler into a crocodile enclosure.
When the horrific incident happened at a zoo called Johnsons of Old Hurst on Thursday, June 18, staff swiftly took action to try to rescue the child. Still, the incident resulted in “serious injuries” and the child remains in the hospital.
The 30-year-old man who allegedly threw the toddler into the enclosure “has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder,” per CBS News.
When it happened, staff members jumped in to save the child.
Staff at the zoo quickly intervened and did what they could to protect the toddler during the distressing incident, according to a report from The Sun. The zoo owner’s wife, Tracey Johnson, reportedly dove into the enclosure to rescue the child.
Chris Newman, a friend of Tracey’s and the director of the National Center for Reptile Welfare, told the publication that what Tracey did in that moment is very much in line with her character. “Knowing Tracey, it comes as no surprise that she acted this way – that’s exactly what she would do,” they said. “She’s a very courageous and brave lady.”
A local who lives near the zoo also added, “Tracey and the other staff were incredibly brave. They all stayed very calm and she went down into the enclosure and was able to rescue the little boy quickly.”
People familiar with the zoo do not believe the child could’ve fallen in.
Chris was one of those people. He told the publication that he believes the zoo is very safe and secure. Another local who lives near the zoo said the same thing. The 52-year-old local said there’s “4ft fencing around the walkway so it is impossible for people to fall in accidentally.”
He added, “It felt very safe. There was a 15ft drop to the crocodiles. Staff were also keeping an eye out.”
Police believe the suspect who allegedly threw the child into the enclosure was a stranger. Per ABC News, he was released on bail on Friday, June 19, as he “was assessed as unfit for police interview.”
As of that same day, the toddler was listed in critical but stable condition at the hospital.
Because of the incident, the zoo’s crocodile area is currently closed.
On Thursday, June 18, Johnsons of Old Hurst shared a statement on social media and announced that the area of the zoo that houses crocodiles will remain closed to the public for some time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today,” the zoo’s statement read. “Out of respect to the family, our Tropical House will remain closed until further notice.”
Other parts of the zoo are still open. The incident is being investigated. Per The Sun, police said, “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances. We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other. Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital.”
READ NEXT: 5-Year-Old Boy Falls Into Gorilla Enclosure & Ends Up Getting Comforted By 450-Lb Gorilla
