Overview
- Zoo Miami reported Friday that the 8-foot female, nicknamed “Britney” or “Britney Spears,” died from complications tied to her head wounds.
- Veterinarians performed surgery on Dec. 11 to remove metal objects that had driven her blood lead levels dangerously high, and the extraction was successful.
- She remained lethargic after anesthesia, a known challenge in crocodilians with variable metabolism, and she died the following afternoon.
- The animal was found on Oct. 20 near mile marker 101 in Key Largo with a spear believed to be from a speargun lodged in the back of her head and a bullet between her eyes.
- Zoo Miami said her condition was already compromised, including anemia, and American crocodiles are protected by state and federal law that prohibits killing or harassment.