Could 3D Printing be the Answer for Injured Birds?

Birds who are trafficked often suffer injuries due to careless transporting or from getting into altercations with other birds in small confined spaces. Tieta, a female black-beaked toucan, is one of these birds.

Tieta was rescued from a wildlife fair in Rio de Janeiro and it was discovered that the toucan was missing a good portion of her upper beak. Without the use of her beak, Tieta had significant obstacles with feeding herself.

By using a 3D printer, a new beak was printed for Tieta in two hours. Although the operation to have the beak attached to Tieta proved at times to be difficult, signs that she could feed herself again followed after the surgery.

We are so happy for Tieta! While she cannot be returned to the wild, she can at least have a comfortable life with people who care about her.

Several cases of 3D printing are underway with other toucans in both Brazil and Costa Rica. Although 3D printing is not a fix-all for all injuries, it may be the solution for some birds to regain more independence back and live a happier life.

Read more about this success story here.