Tracey Johnson’s Brave Act Saves Three-Year-Old from Crocodile Attack

A heroic zookeeper, Tracey Johnson, risked her life to save a three-year-old boy from a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo in Cambridgeshire.

In a dramatic turn of events at Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo in Cambridgeshirea three-year-old boy was rescued from a crocodile enclosure by the zoo’s owner, Tracey Johnson. The incident, which occurred on a Thursday lunchtimehas left the community in shock and admiration for the zookeeper’s bravery.

The youngster, who was visiting the zoo with his family, sustained critical injuries after being allegedly hurled into the enclosure. The boy landed on concrete before rolling into the water, where he was attacked by at least one of the reptiles.

The enclosure houses more than a dozen crocodiles and alligators, including two large Nile crocodiles named Romeo and Cuddleswhich measure between 9ft and 11ft and weigh up to 485lb.

The Heroic Rescue

Tracey Johnson, who runs the zoo with her husband Andy Johnsonsprang into action without hesitation.

Witnesses described how she swooped down to pull the boy to safetyrisking her own life to save the child. The boy was then rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. However, he was later released on bail until September after being assessed as unfit for interview. The man, who is not known to the victim, was reportedly on a trip with other vulnerable adults and had at least two carers with him.

Witness Accounts and Aftermath

Witnesses at the scene recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the rescue. A mother who was at the zoo at the time described hearing a loud scream while sitting on a bench outside the enclosure. She noted that the man’s carers were on their phones and not paying close attention to him.

The boy had been on an elevated walkway admiring the reptiles when he was allegedly lifted over a 4ft safety fence and hurled about 15ft into the enclosure. The incident has sparked discussions about the safety measures in place at zoos and the responsibilities of carers accompanying vulnerable individuals.

Tracey Johnson, described by a friend as a special, steadfast, old-fashioned heroinehas been praised for her courageous actions. Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfarecommended her bravery, stating that her actions were nothing less than what he would expect from her. He emphasized the immense danger she put herself in to save the child.

The Johnsons’ Commitment to Safety

The Johnsons have long been aware of the dangers posed by the crocodiles. In a 2011 interview with Farmer’s WeeklyAndy Johnson discussed the precautions they take when handling the reptiles. He explained the use of a pig board to protect themselves from the crocodiles’ powerful bites and the importance of building trust with the animals.

The incident has left the Johnsons mortifiedbut they remain committed to the safety of their visitors. In a statement posted on social media, they expressed their thoughts and prayers for the boy and his family. The zoo’s tropical house has been closed out of respect for the family, and the rest of the site remains open as normal.

The community has rallied around the Johnsons and the injured boy, offering support and condolences. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of vigilance in public spaces.