MIAMI — An American crocodile named Britney Spears is continuing her recovery at Zoo Miami after a harrowing ordeal in which she was shot in the eye and impaled with a fishing spear in the Florida Keys earlier this month, officials confirmed Thursday.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Zoo Miami rescued the injured crocodile after she was found near mile marker 101 of the Overseas Highway on Oct. 18.
Veterinarians later discovered a bullet embedded in her skull and a fishing spear lodged in her head.
Zoo Miami’s head veterinarian, Dr. Gwen Myers, said the spear was successfully removed, but the bullet will remain because removing it could cause more damage. She said Britney has permanently lost vision in her left eye as a result of the gunshot wound.
Despite her injuries, Britney is showing positive signs of recovery.
Zoo officials said she is responding well to antibiotics, fluids, and pain management treatments. Her deep wound is healing steadily, and the goal is to eventually release her back into the wild once she’s strong enough to survive on her own.
“This amazing animal represents the collaborative efforts of Zoo Miami and FWC to save a species and educate the public on how to peacefully share our environment with these important creatures,” Myers said in a statement.
Zoo Miami, which plays a key role in the conservation of the American crocodile — a federally protected and threatened species native to South Florida — said Britney’s recovery underscores the importance of protecting native wildlife.
It is illegal under state and federal law to kill or harass American crocodiles.
FWC officials are asking anyone with photos, videos or information about the incident to contact the agency’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
Tips leading to an arrest or citation may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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