A three-year-old boy attacked by a crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, is now smiling again, his parents have reported, expressing amazement at his progress following seven surgeries.

The incident occurred on June 18, when the boy was visiting the zoo with his family. The attack left him with severe injuries, including to his arms, neck, head, and face, as well as broken bones. His parents described the initial hours at Addenbrooke's Hospital as the worst of their lives, involving consent forms for resuscitation and potential amputation.

Four weeks after the attack, the boy is reportedly talking to nurses and playing with his feet. The latest surgery involved a nerve graft in his left arm, where a nerve was taken from his leg in an attempt to restore function. His parents stated on a fundraising page that they will know if the graft is successful in a few months.

"We were unsure if our son was going to make it and that was the worst feeling in the world," his parents shared. The fundraising page has raised over £67,000 to support his recovery.

Police arrested and later bailed a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder. Investigations into the care of the arrested man have been launched by the Care Quality Commission and Norfolk County Council. The BBC understands the man has learning disabilities and was on a trip with carers, and did not know the child. He was released on bail until September 18 and was assessed as not fit for interview.

The crocodiles involved in the incident have not been seized or put down by authorities. The zoo, Johnsons of Old Hurst, is located near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

The boy's parents are hopeful about his recovery, particularly regarding the nerve graft. "Over time, this nerve will hopefully embed and help our son to regain some function in his left hand," they said.

Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and the arrested individual.