The tranquil setting of Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo near Huntingdon was shattered on June 19, 2026when a three-year-old boy suffered critical injuries in the zoo’s crocodile enclosure. The incident has sparked a major police investigationwith a 30-year-old man from Norfolk arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The boy, who was visiting the zoo with his family, was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries. He remains in a critical but stable condition. The zoo’s Tropical Housewhich houses the crocodiles, has been closed out of respect for the family.
The Incident and Immediate Response
Emergency services were alerted to the incident at 13:24 BST. Witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing a flurry of activity as staff and emergency responders rushed to the scene. The boy was treated at the scene by a critical care team from Magpas Air Ambulance before being transported to the hospital.
Tracey Johnsonthe zoo owner’s wife, is being hailed for her remarkable bravery after jumping into the enclosure to try to help the boy. The crocodiles involved in the incident have not been seized or killed, and the zoo has assured the public that safety measures were in place.
Police Investigation and Public Reaction
Cambridgeshire Police are leading the investigation, with Detective Inspector Verity McCann stating that they do not believe the arrested man and the child are known to each other. The man has been released on bail and was deemed unfit to interview at the time of his arrest.
The police are reviewing CCTV footage from the venue and speaking to witnesses to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty has urged the public to refrain from speculation and has expressed his support for the boy and his family.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond. Darryl Prestonthe Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire and Peterboroughhas expressed his condolences, stating that he can only begin to imagine the trauma those involved are going through.
The Zoo and Its Safety Measures
Johnsons of Old Hurst is a family-run farming business that has evolved into a popular tourist attraction. The zoo houses over 100 fascinating animalsincluding crocodilesAfrican lionsand a Bengal tiger. The crocodiles are kept in a converted cattle barn with metal-fenced elevated walkways and large pools of water surrounded by tropical vegetation.
The zoo’s Tropical Housewhere the incident occurred, features Perspex glass and secure walkways. The enclosure is designed to provide a safe viewing experience for visitors. The zoo has a history of adhering to safety regulations, with its license renewed in 2026 following a statutory inspection and approval process.
Despite the incident, the rest of the zoo has remained open, with visitors continuing to enjoy the various attractions. The zoo’s management has expressed their thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family, and they are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
