Zoo works to save Florida crocodile found with spear, bullet in its head

MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) — An 8-foot American crocodile is on her way to recovery at Zoo Miami after what appears to have been a harrowing ordeal.

Officials said the injured crocodile was found Tuesday in the Florida Keys with a spear lodged through her skull. She was captured and taken to the zoo for treatment.

The spear sticking out of the crocodile’s head was of great concern, but when the Zoo Miami team examined the reptile further, they also found a bullet lodged between her eyes.

Fortunately, none of the crocodile’s injuries appeared to be life-threatening, the team said.

The team, led by Dr. Gwen Myers, performed a delicate procedure to remove the spear, and as of Wednesday, the crocodile was still resting and recovering.

“The goal is to return her to the wild once she has made sufficient progress in her recovery,” a spokesperson for Zoo Miami said.

The zoo has been working closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which is treating the incident as a criminal investigation.

No further information was immediately available regarding the investigation.