Tortoise Gets 3D Printed Shell

(Photo: Denver Post)

Cleopatra, a leopard tortoise in Golden, Colorado, suffers from pyramiding. This means that the scrutes of her shell did not grow evenly, but pushed up, forming pyramid-like structures. The pyramids make her vulnerable to other tortoises, as well as make it difficult for her to right herself if she gets flipped over. Holes that formed along the borders also make her susceptible to infections.

Roger Henry, a design student at Colorado Technical University, responded by building her a protective outer shell. He spent about 600 hours developing a design that would fit precisely over her shell. Then he built it with a 3d printer. Cleopatra has adapted to it well and is enjoying a healthier lifestyle as a result.

(Photo: Gary Stefanski)

-via Huffington Post