When Cleopatra, a leopard tortoise, was brought into Canyon Critters Reptile Rescue, her outlook was grim. Due to malnutrition, the animal suffers from what is known as "peaking," which means that her shell has developed pyramid-like raised sections instead of growing smoothly. The condition leaves her susceptible to bacteria and infections.
Knowing that ordinary people can build extraordinary devices for disabled pets, Nico Novell, the owner of Canyon Critters, knew something had to be done to save this animal.
He enlisted the help of Roger Henry, a Colorado Technical University student and U.S. Air Force veteran, who designed a red, 3-D-printed shell for Cleopatra. The shell, which will be secured with a Velcro strap, is light and will let the tortoise move freely.
According to Novelli, the red plastic shell probably will save the teenage leopard tortoise's life and let her live into her 80s! Over time, with the proper diet, Cleopatra's shell will start to grow properly — but until then, she has the prosthetic shell to protect her.
Although this story has a happy ending, Novelli advises people to not take in wild tortoises as pets. Once they're taken home, they're often hand-fed the wrong diet and have trouble re-adjusting to life in the wild after owners grow tired of them.
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