The toddler left seriously injured after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure has undergone ‘multiple surgeries’ and faces a ‘long road to recovery’, a supporter raising funds for the family has revealed.The three-year-old boy was hurled over a 4ft safety fence and plunged around 15ft into the pen at Johnson’s of Old Hurst in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, last month.He was attacked by at least one of the animals before hero zookeeper Tracey Johnson, who runs the site with husband Andy, jumped in and snatched him to safety.A 30-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder but bailed within hours after police said he ‘was assessed as not being fit for interview’.It also emerged today that care bosses responsible for the man, who is understood to have learning difficulties, are being probed by the industry watchdog.Lucy Lockett, who set up the GoFundMe page which aims to raise £6,000 for the boy’s family, wrote: ‘Thanks to the extraordinary bravery and quick actions of those nearby, the little boy was rescued by the zoo owners and rushed to hospital in a critical condition.‘After undergoing multiple surgeries his condition is now stable but he faces a long road to recovery.‘His parents are currently by his side in hospital, supporting him through both immediate and ongoing care physically and psychologically.’ A toddler was thrown into the crocodile enclosure at Johnson’s of Old Hurst in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, last monthShe 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 .‘It will also support their son’s further recovery and rehabilitation in the upcoming months and years ahead.‘Should any funds remain after meeting the family’s needs, they will be donated to the charities and organisations within the Addenbrooke’s Trust to support other families facing similar challenges.‘The family are deeply grateful for the kindness, prayers, and well wishes they have received.‘They kindly ask that their son’s privacy is respected and that he is not identified or named in the media or on social media.‘Thank you for your generosity and support during this incredibly difficult time.’The family also praised staff at the zoo and expressed gratitude for the public support they have received.They said in a police statement: 'We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure.'We are truly grateful for the public support and well-wishes we have received, as well as to everyone who has been directly involved in our son's care and recovery in hospital. Police arrested a 30-year-old suspect, who is believed to have learning difficulties, at the scene The boy - who was attacked by at least one animal - has had 'multiple surgeries’ and faces a ‘long road to recovery’, a supporter raising funds for the family has revealed'Our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.'Witnesses have described seeing the carers of the man ‘on their phones’ and ‘not paying much attention’ as they stood ‘ten metres behind him’.Others claimed they tried to bundle their charge into a car and drive away after the shocking incident, with staff having to stand in their way to stop them.A spokesman for the Care Quality Commission said: 'Our thoughts are with this young boy and his family at what must be an incredibly difficult time.'CQC is liaising with the organisations involved to understand whether there is any regulatory action it needs to take.'The watchdog said the organisations it was investigating included 'the [care] provider, local authority and police'. Formal action it could take ranges from issuing warning notices about required improvements to placing a provider in special measures, issuing fines or launching a prosecution. A separate investigation has already been launched with the possibility of disciplinary action after up to 40 NHS staff accessed the victim’s private medical records. His injuries included a shattered arm and pelvis. Owners Andy and Tracey Johnson (left), pictured in 2009, transporting a 400lb crocodileTearful witnesses described hearing a blood-curdling scream at around 1.20pm on June 18 when the boy was tossed over the safety fence separating an aerial walkway from the enclosure below.He landed on concrete before rolling into water and being attacked in front of his mother, who also had a baby with her.Another mother who was at the zoo at the time of the incident described hearing a 'loud scream' while sitting on a bench outside the enclosure.She said: 'Someone later described the man that did it and said he was with carers.'I don't know if it was definitely him but I saw one bloke of a bigger build. He had two carers with him and they weren't paying him much attention.'If it was him, his carers were maybe ten metres behind him. They were English and chatting among themselves and on their phones.'A source with knowledge of the case claimed the carers left the scene with the suspect shortly afterwards.‘They tried to get him into the car. Another member of staff was there and prevented them from leaving,’ the insider said.Cambridgeshire Police said at the time: ‘A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on bail while detectives from the Major Crimes Unit conduct further enquiries regarding this incident.‘The man, not known to the victim, was assessed as not being fit for interview.’Mrs Johnson, 55, was hailed a ‘special, steadfast, old-fashioned heroine’ after climbing into the pen, wading over to the boy and pulling him to safety.She is then thought to have escaped through a keepers’ exit. Her husband and their son, Edward, are also understood to have leapt in after her.According to multiple sources, the boy was attacked by at least one animal in the enclosure.It houses at least 15 crocodiles and alligators, including two large Nile crocodiles, Romeo and Cuddles, which measure between 9ft and 11ft. Romeo, the male, can weigh up to 485lb.A mother at the zoo at the time said: 'We saw the air ambulance come over within about ten minutes. They held up a white sheet in between the farm shop and the cafe so no one could see what was happening.'My daughter was oblivious. The little boy was only three and my daughter is two, it could have been her.'The Johnsons have said their 'thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family'.Originating as a dairy farm, Johnson’s has a butchers, farm shop, tea room and steak house, as well as the zoo.According to a blog post on its website, the crocodiles were initially kept to help dispose of waste meat from the butchery but they went on to be the start of a zoo.It is now home to more than 100 animals, including lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras and meerkats.The crocodile enclosure has reopened to the public.
Boy thrown in croc pit has undergone 'multiple surgeries'
The boy's family have also spoken out for the first time to 'thank staff at the zoo' and say they are 'grateful for the public support'.








