A statement has been released following the serious injury of a child at a Zoo in Cambridgeshire.
The family of a three-year-old boy who was seriously injured at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon in the UK, on June 18 2026 have issued a statement.
The boy remains in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, in a stable condition and faces a long road to recovery.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, was released on bail while detectives from Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Unit conduct further enquiries regarding the incident. The man, who is not known to the victim, was assessed as not being fit for interview.
On the day of the incident, officers were called to the zoo at 1.24 pm by the ambulance service to reports that a three-year-old boy had suffered serious injuries. The boy, who sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure, was pulled out by staff from the zoo and received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital.
Johnsons Zoological Gardens houses over 100 animals, including African Lions, Bengal tigers, crocodiles and sloth bears. The Johnsons site is also home to a farmshop, tearoom and steakhouse.
Beyond our animal residents, we offer a range of family-friendly activities for your day out, including scenic woodland walks, a sandpit and a fun-filled playground.
A “distressing incident”
Detective Inspector Verity McCann previously said: “Our enquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.
“Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”
The young boy’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.”
A fundraising page has been set up to support the boy’s recovery and rehabilitation, as well as to provide the family with financial stability whilst they support him in hospital and throughout the coming months.
Should any funds remain after meeting the family’s needs, they will be donated to charities and organisations within the Addenbrooke’s Trust which support other families facing similar challenges.
The 30-year-old man has been bailed until September 18.
