BBC News is reporting that Florence, a 6′ (1.8m) nurse shark, is successfully recovering from what is believed to be the first out of water surgical procedure of its kind.

Florence, a nurse shark like this one, underwent succesful out of water surgery.

Florence, who appeared ill at her previous home at Weymouth Sea Life Park (UK) was found to have a rusty fishhook embedded in her. After being anesthetized and removed from her tank, surgery was performed while seawater was continuously pumped through her gills. During her recovery, she was treated with antibiotics and fed via a tube. Ten days after the surgery, Florence was able to eat on her own and has since fully-recovered. Florence went on display at her new home, National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham (UK), yesterday.

Check BBC News for some video footage of the procedure.