An American crocodile found wounded with a metal spear in the Florida Keys last week is healing well at Zoo Miami, officials say, and she will likely be able to be released back to the wild in the near future.
The eight-foot, female croc was spotted swimming in Key Largo with a three-foot spear sticking out of its head Oct. 18. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and staff from Zoo Miami tried to rescue her, but she evaded capture until last Monday night.
Zoo Miami staff, led by veterinarian Dr. Gwen Myers, have removed the spear, but also found a bullet lodged in the croc’s left eye, per a statement from the zoo. The croc, which zoo staff named Brittany, will likely have permanent vision loss in that eye, the zoo said, adding Myers’ team does not plan to remove the bullet.
The wound from the spear is deep, but appears to be healing…