Plastic surgeons in Florida are claiming success in re-building the face of a crocodile hurt in a car crash.
The three-metre croc can open its mouth properly for the first time since it was found almost dead by state wildlife wardens on a roadside.
A spokesman at Miami's Metrozoo said the hours-long operation was performed on Tuesday by veterinarian Dr Douglas Mader and his staff.
The medical team bolted four steel plates to the animal's skull, secured with 41 screws.
Florida Fish and Wildlife officials brought the animal to the Metrozoo in December after it was run over by a car in the Florida Keys.
The endangered reptile's skull had been crushed, and it was unable to feed itself.
Zoo officials say the surgery was a success and they're just hoping now that the reptile will survive the long-term effects of the trauma.
They say one sign of success is its new-found ability to open its mouth to help regulate its body temperature, which it couldn't do before the operation.
APTN