A three-year-old boy required five separate surgeries following a crocodile attack inside a zoo enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire on June 18, according to statements from his parents and local police.
The young victim, who traveled from Norfolk with his family, sustained severe injuries during the afternoon incident.
Cambridgeshire Police reported receiving an emergency call regarding the encounter at 1:34 p. m.
BST.
Medical professionals have not yet determined the long-term impact on the child's upper extremities.
A fundraising page established for the family has raised approximately £26,000 to assist with rehabilitation costs and financial stability while the parents remain at the hospital alongside their newborn baby.
The parents shared updates regarding the medical status of their son and the ongoing challenges confronting their family during this recovery period.
"These last two weeks have been a very uncertain and unsettling time," stated the parents.
The family noted that the full scope of physical recovery remains unclear due to the current medical dressings covering the wounds.
"This will only be identified after casts and bandages are able to be removed and he can begin his rehabilitation journey," added the parents.
The couple emphasized that the path to recovery will demand a significant amount of time and patience.
"His rehabilitation journey is uncertain but we do know that it won't be a short process," noted the parents.
The mother and father expressed deep appreciation for the community support they received while managing hospital life alongside their infant.
"We are extremely grateful for everyone's generosity," stated the parents.
The family acknowledged the financial and emotional lifelines provided by donors during the crisis.
"We could never thank you enough for the support you have given our family in this horrible time," explained the parents.
The family confirmed the extensive surgical intervention required so far and anticipated additional procedures ahead.
"We have been living at the hospital for two weeks now and our son has undergone five surgeries," said the parents.
In earlier updates, the family expressed gratitude toward the zoo workers who intervened during the crisis.
"Thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure," said the boy's family.
Following the rescue, the management of Johnsons of Old Hurst commended the quick actions of the individuals who came to the child's aid.
The zoo owners praised the "incredible speed and determination" of those who helped him.
Cambridgeshire Police subsequently arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder.
The suspect, who has learning disabilities and attended the zoo with carers, did not know the victim and was deemed unfit for interview before being bailed until September 18.
