(Image source: Reproduction / The Guardian)

According to a report published by The Guardian, an eagle received a prosthesis produced on a 3D printer to replace the beak the bird lost during an attack by poachers in 2005.

According to volunteers from Birds of Prey Northwest, Beauty - as the eagle is called - had its beak completely destroyed by a gunshot, leaving it unable to hunt, feed independently and even sanitize and care. of your feathers.

Bionic nozzle

(Image source: Reproduction / Kinetic Engineering Group)

The idea of ​​“printing” a new nozzle came when Jane Fink Cantwell, an organization expert, decided to join forces with mechanical engineer Nate Calvin of the Kinetic Engineering Group and, along with a team of experts including dentists, doctors and engineers, developed a prosthesis made of a nylon polymer mounted on a titanium base.

The procedure to fit the bionic beak was somewhat complicated and although Beauty unfortunately can never return to live in nature due to the fragility of the prosthesis, the eagle is already able to feed and take care of its hygiene by itself, becoming a bit more independent of the care of the organization's volunteers.

Source: The Guardian