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Daily Read: Wildlife

Hornbill Gets First 3D‑Printed Beak Prosthesis

Amsterdam’s ARTIS Zoo, the Netherlands’ oldest zoo, has pioneered a world‑first by fitting a southern ground hornbill with two 3D‑printed prosthetic beaks after both upper and lower parts of its beak broke. The bird, a male with a 19‑22 cm beak, had been living with misshapen stumps that limited its feeding, preening and parenting abilities. ARTIS veterinarians partnered with Utrecht University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to perform detailed CT scans of the bird’s head and remaining beak fragments, enabling precise reconstruction of the original shape. The custom prostheses were printed from plastic and secured with titanium components and screws, resulting in a virtually identical replacement. Within hours of the operation, the hornbill began using its new beak, picking up a mouse and eating independently, showing immediate functional success. The team hopes the bird will be able to mate and raise chicks, potentially aiding the conservation of this vulnerable species. This achievement demonstrates a new medical approach that could improve the welfare of endangered birds worldwide.

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The essential points

  1. 01ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam successfully fitted a southern ground hornbill with two 3D‑printed prosthetic beaks, a first worldwide.
  2. 02The procedure involved CT scans and titanium screws, allowing the bird to resume feeding and preening within hours.
  3. 03Veterinarians collaborated with Utrecht University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to design the custom prostheses.
  4. 04The bird’s rapid recovery offers hope for future breeding and improved welfare of endangered hornbills.
The full brief

Amsterdam’s ARTIS Zoo, the Netherlands’ oldest zoo, has pioneered a world‑first by fitting a southern ground hornbill with two 3D‑printed prosthetic beaks after both upper and lower parts of its beak broke. The bird, a male with a 19‑22 cm beak, had been living with misshapen stumps that limited its feeding, preening and parenting abilities. ARTIS veterinarians partnered with Utrecht University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to perform detailed CT scans of the bird’s head and remaining beak fragments, enabling precise reconstruction of the original shape.

The custom prostheses were printed from plastic and secured with titanium components and screws, resulting in a virtually identical replacement. Within hours of the operation, the hornbill began using its new beak, picking up a mouse and eating independently, showing immediate functional success. The team hopes the bird will be able to mate and raise chicks, potentially aiding the conservation of this vulnerable species.

This achievement demonstrates a new medical approach that could improve the welfare of endangered birds worldwide.