Boy Discharged After Crocodile Enclosure Incident
Three-year-old recovers at home following seven operations, as fundraising efforts exceed £113,000.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
A three-year-old boy seriously injured in a crocodile enclosure has been discharged from hospital.
The incident, on June 18 at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, left the boy needing seven operations.
His family confirmed all immediate surgeries are now complete, allowing them to concentrate on rehabilitation at home.
All of his immediate surgeries are over with for now, which means we can now focus on rehabilitation at home.
The boy's parents expressed relief; their child returned home "a few weeks ago" and is "happy to be home, playing with his toys, sleeping in his own bed and being a big brother."
They added that it was "nice to have us all back together in the comfort of our own home."
The family also noted their son's rehabilitation journey continues, with frequent hospital visits to determine next steps, which they tackle together.
Separately, a 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and subsequently bailed in connection with the incident.
The arrested man reportedly has learning disabilities and was assessed as not fit for interview.
Johnsons of Old Hurst claimed a child had allegedly been thrown into one of their crocodile enclosures, which reportedly contained at least 15 crocodiles.
A fundraising page established to support the family has raised over £113,000.
The boy's parents confirmed the donated money has supported them "financially to cover immediate costs such as our bills and mortgage," and to "cover our loss of wages during this time."
They also purchased new toys for the paediatric intensive care unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and donated to the Sick Children's Trust charity.
The parents further intend to donate to the Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust (ACT) to thank staff involved in their son's care, including the supply of superhero costumes.
The boy's parents extended their gratitude to everyone who has "shown such kindness and generosity during what has been a considerable ordeal for us all."
Both of us will continue to stay by our son’s side as we support him on his rehabilitation journey.