A team of oncologists and veterinarians from ZooTampa, located on Florida’s west coast, collaborated to care for a rare hornbill in their care. The female hornbill, nicknamed Crescent, was facing a serious cancer that affected the base of her skull and the upper beak. The medical team chose to use a 3D-printed prosthetic helmet to replace the damaged areas, a landmark intervention in the treatment of this species at the zoo.
The vivid bird, nearly a meter tall and celebrated by visitors at ZooTampa, required an approach that would preserve both function and appearance. The lesion, a squamous cell carcinoma type that is often fatal in hornbills, posed a difficult surgical challenge. The decision to pursue a prosthetic solution came after careful consideration about what would be possible for a creature of Crescent’s size and temperament.
Veterinarian Kendra Baker highlighted the extraordinary teamwork involved, noting the combined efforts of oncologists, biomedical engineers, and veterinary specialists to save Crescent’s life. The team’s mindset echoed human medical practices, asking themselves what steps would be taken if Crescent were a person in need of treatment. This perspective opened the door to using 3D printing to design a protective and functional prosthesis that could be implanted with precision.
Ultimately, surgeons removed the tumor and replaced the affected skull region with a custom 3D-printed prosthesis. The process was described as pioneering in the United States and among the early global demonstrations of its kind, marking a turning point in avian surgical care.
Acrylic and titanium screws
ZooTampa confirmed that the Formlabs lab donated the materials, while the Radiology 3D team at the University of South Florida prepared the surgical guide and crafted Crescent’s new helmet on a Formlabs 3D printer designed for healthcare use.
During attachment of the prosthesis, acrylic and titanium dental screws were used to secure the 3D-printed components to Crescent’s beak, ensuring stability for healing and growth.
Crescent appears to be recovering well after the operation, though veterinarians will continue to monitor her progress as she resumes life in the zoo’s open-air habitat.
The great hornbill species is among the largest in this family, and Crescent belongs to a group that thrives in the forests of northeastern India, Indochina, and the Malay Peninsula.
Experts note that hornbills produce a distinctive whistling sound when they fly, a trait linked to their unique wing structure. The birds in this family measure roughly 90 to 120 centimeters and weigh between 2.8 and 3 kilograms in adulthood. Their breeding practices are unusual; the female seals herself inside a nest cavity with the male’s help when eggs are laid.
During hatching, the female often molts in a secure nest, temporarily unable to fly until the molt is complete. The male forages to feed both the female and the young, and the loss of the male could impact the entire nest’s survival.
‘Nearly Threatened’ species
About five weeks after eggs are laid, the female molts fully, leaves the nest, and assists the male in gathering food. When the mother departs the nest, the young birds are safeguarded from inside the nest by the parents.
The helmet on Crescent’s head acts as a resonating structure, accentuating the bird’s vocalizations and serving as a signal of maturity. Growth begins around six months, with full development taking up to five years. The helmet is notably light despite its imposing appearance, and the male hornbill’s eyes are red while the female’s are blue, aiding in sex differentiation. The diet centers on fruit but also includes small animals such as birds, rodents, crabs, and snakes.
Life expectancy for large hornbills generally ranges from 45 to 50 years in the wild. The IUCN classifies the species as near threatened, underscoring a need for continued conservation effort.
Zoo Tampa continues to monitor Crescent and shares updates as part of its ongoing commitment to wildlife health and recovery.
Note: This account reflects ZooTampa’s public statements regarding Crescent’s treatment and recovery process as of publication.
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