Family provide update on toddler allegedly thrown into UK’s Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo crocodile enclosure
Loved ones have released a new statement following the boy’s seventh surgery.
The family of a toddler seriously injured when he was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure by a stranger has provided a major update on his recovery, saying “we are amazed at how far he has come”.
The three-year-old has undergone seven surgeries since he was pulled by staff from a habitat housing the reptiles at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a zoo in Huntingdon, about 125km north of London, on June 18.
“Today our son had his seventh surgery,” family said in a GoFundMe launched to support his recovery, revealing doctors had harvested a nerve from his leg to replace part of one missing in his left arm.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Over time, this nerve will hopefully embed and help our son to regain some function in his left hand.
“We won’t know whether the nerve graft has been successful until tests can be carried out in a few months.”
‘Amazed at how fare he’s come’
Reflecting on the first mammoth operation a month ago, the boy’s loved ones said surgeons had performed “miraculous things” when faced with damaged tendons, nerves, blood vessels and broken bones.
“Those were the worst 12 hours of our lives, as before that we were signing consent forms involving resuscitation and amputation,” they shared. “We were unsure if our son was going to make it and that was the worst feeling in the world.
“Four weeks later and the cheeky little boy that we love so much is talking to the nurses, playing using his feet and smiling again.
“We are amazed at how far he has come.”
The family is holding on to hope his latest operation will be the last for some time, and that “we will be able to go home soon”.
“Once home, we face new challenges shaped by his recovery and rehabilitation physically and psychologically,” they said.
“Both of us are taking time off work temporarily to support our son during his rehabilitation.
“We don’t know what recovery and rehabilitation looks like at this moment in time but we know our son needs us more than ever. “Thank you again for all your well wishes and support during this difficult time.
“We are forever grateful that you have all helped us to stay by our son’s side every step of the way.”
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder before being released on bail when police deemed him unfit for interview.
Police do not believe the man was known to the child and that he had learning disabilities and was visiting the zoo with carers.
A safeguarding inquiry has been launched into the the support he was provided by carers at the scene of the incident.
Originally published on 7NEWS
