A southern ground hornbill at Artis Zoo in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, became the first known bird to receive 3D-printed prosthetics for both its upper and lower beak.
The bird had suffered an injury that damaged both parts of its beak, making it difficult to care for itself and pick up certain foods from the ground.
Vets carried out the procedure in partnership with Utrecht University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UMC Utrecht and Amnovis. The hornbill adapted quickly and was seen using its new beak normally on the very same day of the surgery.