Hero zookeeper who leapt 15 feet into crocodile pit to save toddler

Hero zookeeper who leapt 15 feet into crocodile pit to save toddler Following a devastating incident that saw a three-year-old boy allegedly tossed into a crocodile pen, praise has flooded in for courageous zookeeper Tracey Johnson, who eyewitnesses say saved the child's life When horror unfolded at a Cambridgeshire zoo yesterday afternoon, zookeeper Tracey Johnson didn't hesitate. Facing every parent and animal handler's worst nightmare - after a three-year-old child was allegedly thrown into a crocodile pit - she scaled the safety barrier and plunged 15ft into the crocodile pit. Tracey, who runs Johnson's of Old Hurst Zoo alongside her husband Andy, immediately risked her own life to pull the toddler to safety. While the little boy remains in a critical but stable condition at Cambridge's Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and a suspect is out on bail after being arrested on suspicion for attempted murder, the spotlight has turned to the extraordinary woman whose quick instincts prevented a total catastrophe. The suspect, a 30-year-old Norfolk man who is not known to the youngster, was released on bail after Cambridgeshire Police officers deemed him "not fit for interview”. To those visiting the zoo, Tracey is the "lovely" and deeply professional co-owner of a beloved family-run business. Behind the scenes, this act of bravery isn't out of character for this experienced animal handler. Those close to her say that her jaw-dropping act of bravery was entirely in keeping with the "strong" and "lovely" woman they have know for years.. Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare - who has worked with reptiles at Old Hurst and spent time inside that enclosure - says her heroism surprised no one in the industry. "Oh, I know Tracey very well, she is absolutely a lovely lady, and I think we should recognise her actions as being incredibly heroic," Newman told BBC Radio 4. "But frankly, it’s nothing short of what I would expect of her; that’s exactly what she would do; she is a very brave, very strong lady. That’s what she is like as a person." "I don’t know which enclosure it was, but it’s about a 15ft drop, so for her to get into there that quickly and save the child really is just a remarkable act of bravery.” The nature of the rescue operation underscores the bravery required. The crocodile pen is located in the zoo's Tropical House, and sits beneath a high public walkaway, meaning Tracey had to execute a 15-foot drop directly into the enclosure. Eyewitness Pete Lewis told The Telegraph, that quick-thinking co-ordinated staff had likely saved the child's life. Recalling how someone had ran into the tea room calling for assistance as a toddler had "fallen into the crocodile water”, he added: "Next thing we knew, staff were coming from all directions and a truck or buggy was rushing around, then a guy carried the poor lad out and put him on a trailer to administer first aid.” "I did see the boy being carried out. It appeared that staff or members of the public had gone into the enclosure to rescue the boy and almost certainly prevented further injury.” Tracey and her husband Andy were seen today supporting staff at the family-run zoo, where their sons were also working. Though she has declined to comment on the rescue, she was seen clutching a bouquet of red roses. In a statement issued on Facebook, the zoo team announced that the Tropical House would remain shut out of respect to the victim's family, triggering an outpouring of support for Tracey and her staff from local residents. One person commented: "I was there today at the zoo when the incident occurred. The staff handled it with such professionalism and remained calm and collected during the time of everything, helping people feel safe and reassured while exiting the zoo. Hats off to all the staff and prayers with the family and the little lad." Another agreed: "Our thoughts are with the staff as well as the family. Having been there today, all the staff dealt with the situation so professionally." Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: "At this stage, we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances. We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other. Officers are supporting the boy's family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them." Do you have a story to share? Email me at [email protected]