Emergency services raced to Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, and a critical incident was declared by police on June 18. 

He was rescued from the pit by staff members, including the zoo’s owners Andy and Tracey Johnson, who are said to have leapt into the enclosure.

The toddler received treatment at the scene before being rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

It has since been revealed he was attacked by one of the reptiles when he ended up in the enclosure on June 18.

The boy remains in a stable condition.

In a statement issued on Thursday (July 2), Johnsons of Old Hurst described the incident as “one of the most distressing” in its history.

Police declared a critical incident after the toddler suffered serious injuries (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson said: “We were alerted to reports that a child had allegedly been thrown into our of crocodile enclosures in the Tropical House.

“Everyone who was on site that day acted with incredible speed and determination. Within minutes of the first radio call, the child had been rescued from the enclosure and was receiving first aid.

“The emergency services arrived very quickly, supported by the MAGPAS Air Ambulance, and we cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in such difficult circumstances.

“We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the visitors who stepped forward to help, including off-duty paramedics and police officers whose calm and immediate actions made a real difference.”

They added: “We are immensely proud of our own staff, who responded without hesitation and did everything they could to help and support the child until the emergency services took over.

“The kindness we have received from our local community and from people across the country has been overwhelming.

“Every message of support, every kind word and every expression of concern has meant a great deal to our family and our team during an incredibly difficult time. Thank you for standing with us.

“Above all, our thoughts remain with the young boy and his family. We continue to hope and pray for his speedy recovery and ask that they are given the privacy, compassion and support they need at this time.”

A 30-year-old from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident (Image: Joe Giddens/PA)

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident.

The suspect, believed to have learning difficulties, has since been released on bail until September 18.

The force confirmed the man, who is not known to the victim, has been assessed as “not being fit for interview”.

Detectives are now reviewing CCTV at the premises in a bid to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A fundraising page set up to pay for the toddler’s treatment and recovery has raised more than £22,000 days after it was first launched.

More than £22,000 has been raised for the injured toddler (Image: Joe Giddens/PA)

According to the organiser, any funds remaining after meeting the family’s needs will be donated to charities and organisations within the Addenbrooke’s Trust.

In a statement released on Wednesday (July 1), the victim’s family said: “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.

“Our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.”

It has since been revealed no safety concerns were indicated regarding the zoo’s conditions at the time of the incident.

Have you got a story you want to share? Get in touch at oliver.murphy@newsquest.co.uk

Winterwatch was first released in 2012, as a spin-off to the equally popular shows Springwatch and Autumnwatch.

Chris Packham and Kate Humble launched the show, with Michaela Strachan, a loyal Oxford United fan, going on to replace the latter.

Winterwatch showcased various aspects of British wildlife during the harsher, colder months, with its live video feeds and thermal cameras capturing creatures in the wild.

The BBC has now revealed that Winterwatch will not continue as part of its “evolving commissioning strategy”, and a podcast is expected to replace it.

Winterwatch presenters (Image: BBC/Jo Charlesworth)

It has also been confirmed that Springwatch will return in May 2027 for three weeks.

Instead of Winterwatch, a new video podcast, with the working title Naturewatch, is coming to BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

Launching this autumn, it will provide a regular round-up of the biggest British nature stories every week.

It will celebrate seasonal wildlife moments, explore nature news, talk to experts, and share remarkable animal sightings from across the UK.

Each weekly episode will be accompanied by a special audio-only Q&A programme, exclusive to BBC Sounds, where hosts will answer audience questions about the natural world.

Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning for Specialist Factual, said: “Nature never stops – and neither should we.

“Every week, Naturewatch will give Springwatch fans – and all wildlife lovers – a new way to stay connected to the natural world, whether that’s on TV, iPlayer or Sounds.

“The BBC is committed to celebrating British nature across all our platforms, and we hope this new series will encourage audiences to fall in love with the natural world around them.

“By expanding the Watches brand, we are making the BBC’s brilliant Natural History content even more accessible.”

Fans of Winterwatch have shared their sadness at the decision, with some urging the BBC to reconsider.

One said: “This is really sad, what a great programme.”

Another added: “This is sad news. They are wonderful programmes,” and a third wrote: “This is a dreadful decision.”

Others shared a link to the contact page on the BBC, saying: “It only takes a few minutes to write a quick, polite comment asking them to reconsider.”

Oxford United fan Michaela Strachan with her son at Wembley in 2024 (Image: Michaela Strachan)

Michaela Strachan has been a U’s fan for a number of years, and was at Wembley in 2024 with her son to see the team promoted.

Oxford United were promoted to the Championship after a 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers at the Sky Bet League One play-off in Wembley.

More than 30,000 Oxford fans were backing the team at Wembley and saw them earn their first promotion in 25 years.