A THREE-year-old boy who was attacked by a crocodile after allegedly being thrown into its enclosure has had his seventh operation since the horrific incident.
His parents said their “cheeky little boy” is now “talking” and “smiling again” as they revealed he could soon be well enough to leave hospital.
Police at the scene following the incident Credit: PA
A crocodile in an enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst Credit: Reuters
The this week as doctors carried out a nerve graft on his badly injured left arm.
The toddler has been receiving specialist treatment near Huntingdon, Cambs, on June 18.
His mum and dad said surgeons carried out his seventh operation on Wednesday.
They said: “Our son had his seventh surgery.
Crocodiles in the enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst Credit: Reuters
The youngster was hurled over a four-foot barrier at family zoo Johnsons of Old Hurst Credit: SWNS
“In that surgery the surgeons completed a nerve graft on his left arm.
“They harvested a nerve from his leg to replace part of the nerve that was missing in his left arm.
“Over time, this nerve will hopefully embed and help our son to regain some function in his left hand.
“We won’t know whether the nerve graft has been successful until tests can be carried out in a few months time.”
The boy was into the crocodile enclosure, where he suffered catastrophic injuries.
Owners Mr and Mrs Johnson described the incident as “one of the most distressing” in the zoo’s history.
Tracey Johnson reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.
The tot’s parents previously revealed he underwent a 12-hour operation immediately after the attack.
Zoo owners Andy and Tracey Johnson said they were ‘proud’ of their staff for jumping into the enclosure Credit: SWNS
Andy Johnson holding a baby crocodile at his zoo Credit: SWNS
They wrote on a page: “Shortly after we arrived, our son underwent a 12 hour surgery where the surgeons performed miraculous things.
“They were faced with tendon damage, nerve damage, blood vessel damage, broken bones and severe tissue damage in both his arms, neck, head and face.
“Those were the worst 12 hours of our lives as before that we were signing consent forms involving resuscitation and amputation.”
The fundraising appeal has now raised more than £66,000 to help support the family during their son’s recovery.
His parents said: “We were unsure if our son was going to make it and that was the worst feeling in the world.
“Four weeks later and the cheeky little boy that we love so much is talking to the nurses, playing using his feet and smiling again.
“We are amazed at how far he has come.
“We are not at the end of our journey but are hopeful that today’s surgery will be the last for now which means if everything goes well we will be able to go home soon.
“Once home, we face new challenges shaped by his recovery and rehabilitation physically and psychologically.
“Both of us are taking time off work temporarily to support our son during his rehabilitation.
“We don’t know what recovery and rehabilitation looks like at this moment in time but we know our son needs us more than ever.
“Thank you again for all your well wishes and support during this difficult time. We are forever grateful that you have all helped us to stay by our son’s side every step of the way.”
A Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the young boy and his family.
“We continued to hope and pray for his speedy recovery.”
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