MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) – An American alligator found with a fishing spear stuck in his head and a bullet wound to his skull is recovering at a Florida zoo after a “stunning and traumatic ordeal.”
Britney the American alligator was rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission earlier this month. The 8-foot-long alligator was found injured in the Florida Keys.
Dr. Gwen Myers, Zoo Miami’s chief veterinarian, said her team successfully removed the spear and has provided intensive medical care since its rescue.
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However, the bullet could not be removed because doing so “could cause further damage to surrounding tissue.”
Britney suffered permanent vision loss in her left eye as a result of the gunshot wound.
“Despite these severe injuries, Britney is showing encouraging signs of recovery. Zoo Miami’s veterinary team reports that Britney is responding well to antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and pain treatment, and her deep, infected wound is steadily healing under their care,” Myers said.
Veterinarians hope to release Brittany back into the wild once she recovers.
“As Britney continues her recovery, she serves as both a testament to resilience and a reminder of the important conservation work Zoo Miami does to protect Florida’s unique wildlife,” Myers said.
