An American crocodile spotted in a Key Largo canal with a spear lodged in its head in October passed away from complications associated with the injury, Zoo Miami said on Dec. 12.
Named “Britney,” the impaled crocodile was spotted by residents and later rescued from a canal near Waterways Drive in Key Largo on Oct. 20. The rescue by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and Zoo Miami took several tries and multiple days. The crocodile was then taken to Zoo Miami for surgery and rehabilitation.
Surgery performed by head veterinarian Dr. Gwen Myers was successful; however, a bullet was also found lodged between the crocodile’s eyes. The objects were removed and the crocodile was making a recovery until Zoo Miami noticed elevated lead toxicity in the blood. Surgery was performed the morning of Dec. 11 to remove foreign metal objects inside the crocodile’s stomach, which were identified through radiographs and were contributing to high levels of lead in the bloodstream.
“While the procedure was successful in removing the metal, Britney’s condition was already compromised,” Zoo Miami said in a statement on Dec. 12. “She was anemic and weakened by the trauma from the spear and gunshot wounds.”
Following surgery, the crocodile was placed in the zoo’s animal hospital to recover from the anesthesia. On Friday morning, the crocodile was found to be lethargic with lingering effects from the anesthesia. Zoo Miami said a cold-blooded animal’s recovery from general anesthesia can be especially difficult when metabolism can fluctuate significantly.
“Unfortunately, the combination of her pre-existing injuries and anemia proved insurmountable, and tragically, she passed away this afternoon,” Zoo Miami said. “The loss of this federally threatened animal serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of illegal and cruel actions against wildlife, actions often driven by unfounded fear and ignorance.
“It also highlights the unintended harm that can result from the introduction of toxic substances into the environment, such as pellet gun ammunition, which can enter the food chain and negatively affect wildlife,” Zoo Miami continued.
American crocodiles are listed as a federally-threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They live in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean and as far north as south Florida and the Keys.
It is illegal to kill or harass American crocodiles under state and federal law.
FWC investigators are seeking information about this incident. Anyone with photos, videos or information is asked to contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Reports can be made anonymously, and tips that lead to an arrest or citation may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
