3D Printer Used to Create New Feet for Injured Duck

Duck's feet and life saved with the help of 3D printing technology.

A teacher in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has come to the rescue for Philip the duck. Jason Jiskie, a teacher at South Park Middle School, employs 3D modeling and printing inside his classroom. Upon seeing a video online, a woman named Vicki reached out to Jiskie in a last minute attempt to save her pet duck's life.

In the video, Vicki explains that they were within hours of putting the duck down due to his inability to move. The duck's feet had suffered severe frostbite and withered to an extreme state making it nearly impossible to move. After six weeks of prototyping different sizes and construction material, Jiskie was able to develop a solution for Philip's feet.

Jiskie Poses with Philip who is sporting his new 3D printed feet. Photo Credit: Jason Jiskie

Jiskie Poses with Philip who is sporting his new 3D printed feet. Photo Credit: Jason Jiskie

The team originally dealt with materials that were either too hard or too heavy, and also tinkered with various sizes. Using what Jiskie refers to as ninja flex, the team was able to create a solution that they feel will offer the right combination of size, weight, and durability.

Philip will soon be transported to an animal sanctuary where the team hopes his new feet will allow him to lead a normal life, walking and swimming as an ordinary duck.

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