MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A crocodile named Britney that was found with a spear lodged in her head in October in the Florida Keys underwent surgery Thursday morning at Zoo Miami’s Animal Hospital.
According to a press release from Zoo Miami Goodwill Ambassador and Communications Director Ron Magill, the spear was removed from Britney’s head after she was rescued and taken to the zoo’s animal hospital, however radiographs revealed additional concerns.
“In addition to the spear injury, it was discovered that Britney had a bullet lodged in her head, which resulted in blindness in her left eye,” Magill said in the news release. “However, removing the bullet was deemed unnecessary, so it will remain in place without any anticipated additional negative effects.”
Magill said Britney also had “several small metallic foreign objects in her stomach.”
“Blood tests showed dangerously high levels of lead in her system, an alarming condition that could lead to long-term health issues and, if untreated, death,” he said.
According to Magill, Britney, who is 8 feet long and weighs 130 pounds, received anesthesia last week as the zoo’s Animal Health Team attempted to remove the object using an endoscope, but the number of small pieces was just too great to remove with that method.
The objects, later identified as small lead fishing weights and most likely pellets from a gun, were removed Thursday during the two-hour surgery led by Zoo Miami Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Nick Buscaglia, who was assisted by Chief of Animal Health, Dr. Gwen Myers.
“These items probably entered Britney’s body when she consumed fish caught on a fishing line or preyed on animals like iguanas that had been shot and ended up in the water,” Magill said.
Magill confirmed that Britney is now recovering in her pen at the animal hospital, where she will be closely monitored.
He said her wound from the spear injury is healing well and no further complications are expected.
If Britney is able to make a full recovery, she will be returned to the wild.
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