MIAMI — A crocodile that was found with a spear injury and a gunshot wound in Key Largo nearly two months ago has died, Zoo Miami announced in a news release Friday.

The female crocodile, Britney, was brought to the zoo on Oct. 20 after suffering severe head trauma.

According to Zoo Miami Cimmunications Director Ron Magill, veterinarians discovered metal objects in her stomach during imaging tests. The items were contributing to dangerous lead levels in her blood.

Britney underwent surgery Thursday to remove the metal.

Although the procedure was successful, zoo officials said the crocodile was already in poor condition. They said she was anemic and weakened from the spear and bullet wounds that she sustained back in October.

After the surgery, Britney was moved to the zoo’s animal hospital to recover.

Magill said zoo staff found her sluggish Friday morning, still showing the aftereffects of anesthesia. Recovering from anesthesia is especially difficult for cold-blooded animals, whose shifting metabolism can complicate the process.

Despite treatment, the crocodile’s injuries and weakened state were too severe, and she died Friday afternoon, accoridng to Magill.

Zoo officials said her death underscores the toll that illegal attacks and environmental toxins take on wildlife.

They also hope her story encourages people to better understand and peacefully coexist with native species.

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