Vets restore broken hornbill beak with 3D implants at ARTIS Zoo
Veterinarians at Amsterdam's ARTIS Zoo successfully repaired a rare southern ground hornbill. They implanted two custom 3D printed beak parts.
The injured male bird had lost both the upper and lower sections of its beak. This severe injury prevented the large African bird from performing natural tasks. It could not pick up food or tend to young chicks effectively.
To solve this complex medical problem, the veterinary team partnered with Utrecht University. They designed precise prostheses using detailed CT scans of the animal's head. The scans covered the head and remaining bone structures to ensure accuracy.
Specialists printed the beak parts from plastic and attached them securely. They used titanium components and screws to fix the implants in place. This procedure stands as a world first because scientists have never before replaced both the upper and lower beak sections of a bird with prosthetic devices simultaneously.
While other birds received single implants previously, this dual restoration offers a unique chance to fully restore the animal's natural abilities. Hours after the operation, the hornbill immediately began using his new beak. The bird picked up food and ate independently without any struggle from the heavy device.