3D Printing to the Rescue for Polly the Duck
Polly the Duck’s journey took an unexpected turn when she arrived at a Texas rehabilitation center with over half her bill missing. This impairment made it difficult for her to perform basic tasks such as eating, drinking, and preening her feathers. Hope emerged with a group of college students armed with a powerful tool 3D printing technology.
At All Things Wild, a wildlife rehabilitation center, and Southwestern University, a team of dedicated students embarked on a mission to create a prosthetic bill for Polly. Led by Instructional Technologist Melanie Hoag, the project exemplifies the intersection of technology and compassion in animal welfare.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From acquiring accurate scans of duck bills to crafting prototypes that mimic the intricate structure of Polly’s missing bill, the students have encountered hurdles at every step. Despite these obstacles, their determination remains unwavering as they strive to provide Polly with a solution that will significantly improve her quality of life.
Through trial and error, the students have gained invaluable insights into the complexities of wildlife rehabilitation and the potential of 3D printing to address pressing challenges. Their dedication to this project serves as a testament to the transformative power of technology in the service of animal welfare.
As the students continue their efforts to perfect the prosthetic bill for Polly, their work extends far beyond the confines of a classroom. They are pioneers in a field where innovation meets compassion, forging new pathways in wildlife rehabilitation and inspiring others to harness the potential of 3D printing for the greater good.
