Miracles in science and technology saved an eagle's life

This is Beauty the bald eagle. In 2005, Beauty was shot in the face by a poacher, causing the damage you see here. Her beak was so badly damaged it was impossible for her to eat or hunt on her own. 

Fortunately, she was rescued by volunteers at Birds of Prey Northwest before she starved to death. They nursed her back to health by hand feeding her, and hoped that she would recover. It became apparent that she would never be self sufficient again and they considered euthanizing her.

However, raptor specialist Jane Cantwell teamed up with mechanical engineer Nate Calvin as well as several other scientists, engineers and dentists to model a nylon polymer beak that would replace Beauty's damaged upper mandible. The beak was then printed on a 3-D printer and attached to Beauty.

Thanks to their hard work and the 3-D printer, Beauty can now eat, drink and preen herself. Unfortunately, the beak is not secure enough for her to return to the wild, but it has meant a second chance in life for this bird.

For more info, watch this video: http://vimeo.com/15184546