Amputations also occur in animals as much as they do in humans. Some cases develop as early as at birth while others are a result of an injury or a disease. From dogs, cats, birds, and even turtles, we’ve seen how disabled animals have benefited from prosthetic implants. Waddles the Duck is among the latest creatures to receive a second chance at life as he learns to walk with his new 3D printed prosthetic duck leg.
Earlier this year, Waddles’ story was featured in the reality show The Wizard of Paws which stars Derrick Campana, a certified pet prosthetist. Campana is also the founder of Bionic Pets, a company that specializes in creating custom pet prosthetics and bracing. The show aims to give injured and disabled animals a chance to regain their mobility through custom-made prosthetics. To date, they have helped over 25,000 animals, including cats, dogs, ducks, elephants, goats, horses, and more.
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Waddles the Duck gets a second chance at life as he learns to walk with his new 3D printed prosthetic leg
So, Waddles’ adoptive owner, Ben Weinman of the band The Dillinger Escape Plan, decided to seek Campana’s help to give Waddle a better life. Campana’s team used Waddle’s leg to create a mold for the 3D printed prosthetic. And the result was a bright orange prosthetic leg that fits perfectly into his stump. Initially, the waterfowl wasn’t sure what to make of it. But after a few encouraging words from Weinman and Campana, he began waddling on his feet with much enthusiasm.
Check out me & Waddles on this weeks episode of @wizardofpawstv This is a new 1 for them but I think we all know the results. The Wizard of Paws, Wednesday night on BYUtv!#ducktales #duckleg #duck #prostheticleg #prosthetics #ducklings #ducksofinstagram #rescue #animalrescue pic.twitter.com/21bQeUSvoX
— Benjamin Weinman (@dillingerescpln) April 14, 2020
Weinman couldn’t help but be emotional after seeing his pet finally walk on two feet.
“I didn’t think I would be emotional about this. But when you take these animals, all you want to do is give them a good life and do right by them. You see them struggling, and you think there’s nothing you can do. It’s really heartbreaking. So yeah, Derrick knocked it out of the park.”
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In recent years, we’ve seen how 3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing for a variety of industries, including art and fashion. From planters, gloves, game cartridge holders to an entirely habitable house, the sky seems to be the limit when it comes to 3D printed creations. Now, this ingenious technology is also transforming healthcare not just for humans but for animals as well.
Check out Waddle’s amazing transformation in the video below
Sources: Nat Geo Wild Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Benjamin Weinman Twitter | Bionic Pets Instagram