Meet Gigi: Parrot with first ever 3D printed titanium beak

[newthinking]

[Bubzer]

1. A bit of trivia...

Some species of parrot live as long as people do... averaging a life span of 74 years.

[newthinking]

2. I was wondering why they choose titanium.

Titanium apparently holds up for a long time.

[Bubzer]

5. It's a great choice! Glad they went with it. It's impressive that technology has advanced that far.

Being able to 3D print titanium is simply phenomenal!

[Warpy]

7. It's also pretty much non reactive in the body

so there won't be any concerns with rejection or metal poisoning. It's why they use titanium in bionic joints in people.

[Bubzer]

10. And, if the beak had to be replaced, that's a pretty cool looking beak!

[Warpy]

15. I'm wondering if the parrot appreciates the bling

I'm betting he does.

[sarge43]

16. As a member of a macaw's entourage, I assure you that yes she does

Every princess needs her accessories; jewelry is preferred.

[markpkessinger]

21. I'm imaginging the parrot waking up from anesthesia and thinking . . . .

. . . "Hey, my beak is back!"

[Enthusiast]

17. That's what I was thinking.

[sarge43]

12. Also strong, light weight, non reactive to organic material

Part of my hip joint is titanium

[sarge43]

9. Several macaws have documented life spans of over a hundred years old n/t

[Bubzer]

11. That's a pretty impresive lifespan!

[sarge43]

13. Yeah, something to consider when taking one on as a companion

Good possibility s/he outlive you.

[Bubzer]

14. Right. Probably a good idea to have a son or daughter who's willing to take responsbility...

at some point, and who's willing to build familial relations with the macaw.

[Old Crow]

3. A little more info...

I was charmed by this story, so I wanted more information.

From the YouTube video description: "Brazilian veterinarians from Renato Archer Technology and Information Center in Campinas successfully implanted first in the world titanium 3D-printed beak on a parrot Gigi. The bird was found with deformed beak and was not able to feed herself."

An article on Gigi and her prosthesis from 3DPrint.com:
http://3dprint.com/121117/gigi-macaw-3d-printed-beak/

[Bubzer]

4. +1

It's heartwarming to see/hear people act on their natural empathy.

[Old Crow]

6. Well said.

You could write a sermon based on that sentence of yours, the key phrases being act on and natural empathy.

[Bubzer]

8. I would love for the world to embrace natural empathy... rather than it's antithesis... greed.

[lunatica]

18. Empathy is quite plentiful

It just doesn't make the news much.

[passiveporcupine]

19. thank you so much for posting her story

I really needed to know more.



I think 3D printed technology is so exciting, but uses like this for humans and animals has got to be the best reason for it.

[Old Crow]

20. My pleasure, PassivePorcupine. (N/T)