# Protective Penguin Prosthetics This 3D-Printed Prosthetic is Helping a Disabled Penguin Walk Again By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-07-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/penguin-prosthetic References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printed-orthotic-boot-penguin/44445/) & [3dsystems](http://www.3dsystems.com/press-releases/3d-systems-partners-mystic-aquarium-act-group-and-middle-school-students-help) A group of veterinarians working out of Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut teamed up with the locally located [Mystic Middle School](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mystic-fish-camp) to develop an innovative 3D-printed prosthetic that they then used to outfit a disabled African penguin. Purps the penguin suffered an injury that affected her ability to waddle around as penguins do. In order to forge a permanent solution, the veterinarians worked with Mystic Middle School to use a 3D scanner to scan a cast of the penguin's foot, using that to create a design for the orthotic that was then carefully and quickly attached to the penguin's limb. The end result is a custom-made 3D-printed prosthetic that is again allowing Purps the penguin to move around unhindered, and is the latest example of the utility of [3D-printed prosthetics to aid disabled animals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birdaid). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **3d-printed Prosthetics:** The development of 3D-printed prosthetics for animals offers new ways to aid disabled animals and improve their quality of life. - **Collaborative Innovation:** The collaboration between veterinarians and schools demonstrates the potential for cross-industry partnerships to drive innovation in the field of animal prosthetics. - **Adaptive Design:** The use of a custom-made 3D-printed prosthetic highlights the importance of adaptive design in creating solutions for differently-abled animals. ### Where This Applies - **Veterinary Services:** The veterinary services industry can explore the use of 3D-printed prosthetics as a viable treatment option for disabled animals in their care. - **Education:** Educational institutions can play a role in developing innovative solutions for animal disabilities by partnering with professionals in the veterinary field. - **3D Printing:** The 3D printing industry can expand its market by targeting the development of prosthetics for animals, tapping into a new niche market with great potential. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Parametric 3D-Printed Dog Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheelchair-for-dogs.md) - [Affordable 3D-Printed Prosthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunet.md) - [Mission-Driven Penguin Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/penguin-toy.md) - [Adaptive Swim Prosthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-nimble.md) - [Patented 3D-Printed Bone Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/p3d-bone.md) - [Canine Rehab Exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pet-power-assistive.md) - [Modular Slip-Proof Prosthetic Legs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lytra-prosthetic-leg.md) - [App-Customized Arm Braces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/appcustomized-arm-braces-the-brace-elbow-brace-by-nils-sorger-is-3d-printed.md) - [Bionic Knee Prostheses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/httpswwwmediamitedu.md)