It's really incredible what can be done with 3D printing! There's a great hornbill at Zoo Tampa that's been given a second chance at life--thanks to 3D printing!
The bird, named Crescent, is 25 years old and was recently diagnosed with skin cancer on her bill--did you know that birds can get skin cancer on their beaks, because I didn't--and the zoo's doctors decided to perform surgery to remove the cancer. The problem was that, after the surgery, Crescent's sinuses were left open, as part of her beak had to be removed in order to remove the cancer. Crescent's medical team decided to 3D print a new beak to allow her to eat, drink, and breathe normally. This is the first time such a surgery has been performed in the US, and only the second time worldwide! The ZooTampa team worked with USF Health on the project, and now Crescent is doing well!
Great hornbills are native to Nepal, Bhutan, India, mainland Southeast Asia, and Sumatra, and are listed as vulterable, since their habitats are dwindling due to deforestation.
Thumbnail photo: Getty Images