Bagpipes the penguin is the “resident bad boy with a soft streak,” according to his zookeepers at International Antarctic Center in Christchurch, New Zealand. He lost his leg in 2007 after he was entangled in a fisherman’s net off the New Zealand coast, but he just got a lucky break.
After 9 years of waddling, Bagpipes just got a brand new 3D-printed prosthetic leg!
General manager Nikki Dawson said several versions of the leg so that the best one can be picked out. She said it was important to “get it right so Bagpipes can wear it comfortable and often.” She also added, “He hasn’t been out of the vet room with it yet so the other penguins haven’t had a chance to see it!”
The foot is made from plastic but Don Clucas, designer of the prosthetic, plans to add rubber grips so Bagpipes can have a better grasp on things. He said, “The hardest part was scanning his foot because he is quite wriggly.”
Judging from the look on his face, I’d say he’s quite proud of his new foot. If Bagpipes is happy, I’m happy.
