Scientists Create Prosthetic With 3D Printers For Vulnerable Bird

The video discusses the case of Crescent, a great Indian hornbill at Zoo Tampa, who was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on her beak. A team of engineers, human and veterinary medical experts collaborated using 3D printing technology to create a prosthetic beak. This innovative approach, rarely used in veterinary medicine, involved scanning Crescent's beak, planning a surgical guide, and printing a prosthetic. The successful procedure not only saved Crescent but also contributed to conservation efforts, as hornbills face threats from deforestation and hunting. Crescent's recovery and natural behaviors post-surgery highlight the success of this cross-disciplinary effort.

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