MIAMI, Florida – Veterinarians at Zoo Miami successfully removed a spear from the skull of an 8-foot female American crocodile, only to discover a bullet lodged in her head during follow-up X-rays. The animal, found injured in the Florida Keys, is now stable and under observation as authorities launch a criminal investigation into the apparent acts of cruelty. The crocodile was first spotted on Monday in Ocean Reef Park, Key Largo, with the spear protruding from her head, prompting immediate action from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). After several attempts to capture the elusive reptile, FWC officers safely transported her to Zoo Miami for emergency treatment. Under the leadership of Dr. Gwen Myers, Zoo Miami's Chief of Animal Health, the veterinary team performed the delicate surgery on Tuesday, the Miami Zoo posted on Facebook. [caption id="attachment_9721" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] An American crocodile that was shot with both a bullet and a spear underwent surgery at the Miami Zoo. Credit: Miami Zoo / German Ramirez.[/caption] Photos from the operation show handlers carefully restraining the sedated reptile on a concrete floor, with Dr. Myers and her colleagues using gloves and tools to extract the metal object. In one image, the removed spear—a barbed metal rod—is laid out on a towel alongside electrical tape, highlighting the severity of the injury. [caption id="attachment_9723" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] An American crocodile that was shot with both a bullet and a spear underwent surgery at the Miami Zoo. Credit: Miami Zoo / German Ramirez.[/caption] X-rays taken during the evaluation revealed an additional shocking detail: a bullet embedded in the crocodile's head, separate from the spear wound. [caption id="attachment_9722" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] An American crocodile that was shot with both a bullet and a spear underwent surgery at the Miami Zoo. Credit: Miami Zoo / German Ramirez.[/caption] While the bullet's presence complicates the recovery, zoo officials report the animal is resting comfortably and showing signs of improvement. American crocodiles are a threatened species in Florida, protected under state and federal laws. Acts of poaching or harming them can result in severe penalties. The FWC has opened a criminal investigation to determine who is responsible for the injuries, urging the public to provide any tips via their Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC.