Beauty and the Beak: How Science, Technology, and a 3D-Printed Beak Rescued a Bald Eagle

Gr 3–5—Rose and Veltkamp tell the inspiring story of an Alaskan bald eagle, later named Beauty, who was shot in the face by a poacher and lost most of her upper beak. She was unable to eat, drink, or preen and would have died had she not been rescued. Because her beak didn't regenerate, Beauty eventually made her way to a raptor center in Idaho, where she received continuous care. Coauthor Veltkamp, a raptor biologist and rehabilitator, worked with engineers, a dentist, and other animal experts to fabricate an artificial beak, using a 3-D printer. After arduous testing, an appropriate beak was created and attached. Beauty could now drink and eat on her own. Outstanding full-page photographs accompany this uplifting account. Many resources for further study and additional information on the life cycle of eagles, their habitats, and their near extinction and recovery are appended.