A toddler is in critical condition after a crocodile attack at a zoo in the United Kingdom. The three-year-old boy was pulled from the crocodile enclosure by staff at Johnson’s of Old Hurst Zoo in Cambridgeshire, southern England. He was then rushed to a local hospital.
Police have not detailed how the child ended up in the enclosure but have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. The man is not known to the victim and was deemed unfit for an interview. He has been released on bail while the investigation continues.
Officials stated that the boy sustained serious injuries but remains in a critical yet stable condition. Detective Inspector Verity McCann noted that their thoughts are with the boy and his family. Specialist officers are supporting them during this tough time. The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances of this distressing event.
The zoo announced that its Tropical House, where the crocodiles live, will be closed temporarily out of respect for the family. The zoo, home to over 100 animals including lions, tigers, and capybaras, has a long-standing interest in crocodiles, having cared for them for two decades.
Adela Suliman, a breaking-news editor and reporter for NBC News in London, contributed to this report. She has a history of reporting for major outlets such as The Washington Post and Al Jazeera English. Suliman holds a degree in Law from the University of London and a journalism degree from Columbia University. Before journalism, her career as a corporate litigator included work in London, Dubai, and Libya.