The family of a three-year-old boy who was seriously injured after ending up in a crocodile enclosure have thanked zoo staff for rescuing their child.
The boy was attacked by at least one crocodile, the BBC understands, following an incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire, on 18 June.
In a statement issued through Cambridgeshire Police, the family said: “We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure… our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.”
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Police said the boy remained in Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge in a stable condition.
The family’s statement added: “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.”
Police said the boy, who was from Cambridgeshire and visiting the zoo with his family, sustained serious injuries “while in the enclosure” and was pulled out by zoo staff.
A spokesperson for the force said: “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 while they support him in hospital and throughout the coming months.”
Police said the family wished to remain anonymous.
The zoo, which is based at a farm in Old Hurst near Huntingdon, has more than 100 animals, including lions, tigers and meerkats.
Officers said the crocodiles had not been seized or killed.
Police said the arrested man was from Norfolk and he was not believed to have known the child.
The suspect is believed to have learning disabilities and had been on a trip to the zoo with carers.
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