3D printer comes to the rescue for forlorn toucan with broken beak

A lucky toucan has had its broken bill restored with the help of a 3D printer.

The young bird arrived at a wild animal rehab centre in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil with a badly dented upper beak. 

The bird spent eight months at the rehab facility, with vets having to wait until the bird was fully grown before they could replace it with a 3D-printed prosthetic one. 

Photos released by Brazil's environment agency show the toucan looking forlorn as it lies on a table with a large chunk of its oversized beak missing.

Later images show the tropical bird with its beak restored using a specially-made prothesis.

Dr Lucas Cazati, from the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wild Animals (CRAS), said in a statement: "The toucan arrived young and with a dented upper beak. 

"As the bird had great difficulty in feeding, we waited for it to reach adulthood to be able to print a beak compatible with its weight and size."

The statement added: "The prosthesis, made of special filament for this purpose, was produced on a 3D printer donated by naturologist Richard Rasmussen.

"Today, the toucan eats well, behaves well and continues to be observed and cared for."