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The toddler who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure was mauled by at least one of the animals, it is understood.
The three-year-old suffered serious injuries after ending up in the crocodile pit at the popular Johnsons of Old Hurst family zoo in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, yesterday afternoon.
He was rescued from the animals after the zoo owner’s wife, Tracey Johnson, 55, is said to have jumped down the 15 ft pit, and taken to the hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.
The child was attacked at least by one of the animals while inside the enclosure before being pulled to safety, Metro understands.
He is believed to have suffered a broken arm and pelvis, but it remains unclear which injuries were the result of the fall.
A 30-year-old man, who police believe was not known to the child, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident.
He was subsequently released on bail after being described as ‘not being fit for interview.’
The suspect was described as a ‘mentally disabled’ man who is said to have broken away from his carers during an organised outing to the zoo, which houses over 100 animals, including crocodilians, big cats and bears.
The emergency services were scrambled to the farm attraction near St Ives at about 1.24pm yesterday, with an air ambulance land team dispatched.
Johnsons of Old Hurst said in a statement: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.
‘Out of respect to the family, our Tropical House will remain closed until further notice.