Injured Bald Eagle Gets a New Beak Created with a 3D Printer

Thanks to developments in 3D printing technology, Beauty the Bald Eagle has a new beak and a new lease on life. The bird, who was shot in the face by a poacher in 2005, was rescued by Jane Fink Cantwell of Birds of Prey Northwest.  Thanks to Nate Calvin of Kinetic Engineering Group, Beauty can use her new polymer prosthetic to feed herself, preen, and drink.

Working with Nate Calvin from the Boise tech company, Kinetic Engineering Group (KEG), Birds of Prey Northwest has helped to restore a classic American symbol to her former glory.  Using the 3D CAD software, SolidWorks, KEG was able to model the new beak with the input of a number of wildlife experts. 

Specialty x-rays were taken of Beauty’s head, letting her prosthetic fit her face with exact precision.  While her new beak is not secure enough for her to be released back into the wild, she is far more self-sufficient.  The US Fish and Wildlife Service has authorized Beauty to become a part of the Birds of Prey Northwest’s educational programs, letting her show off her new beak to audiences in an effort to encourage conservation.