Μake us preferred on Google A young eastern imperial eagle that lost her right leg after being rescued on the Greek island of Kythira is learning to walk again with a custom-made prosthetic developed using 3D printing technology. The female bird of prey was found in 2025 with a severe fracture that required amputation.
Her treatment at ANIMA, a wildlife rescue center in Athens, has since involved three operations and the development of a bionic limb by a Greek-German team of engineers and veterinarians. Veterinarian Grigoris Markakis, who oversaw her treatment, also consulted specialists in Abu Dhabi, Bulgaria and London.
The eagle was fitted with a bionic leg developed by bio3Dtech, a Greek-German team of engineers and veterinarians specializing in custom prosthetics. The company had previously designed artificial limbs for dogs, cats and even a donkey, but this was its first prosthetic for a bird. The prosthetic, developed by Greek-German company bio3Dtech, combines a titanium implant with lightweight 3D-printed components designed specifically for the eagle.
Physiotherapist Danae Thanopoulou, 41, performs physiotherapy exercises on a young female eastern imperial eagle fitted with a prosthetic leg developed using 3D-printing technology, at Greek wildlife rescue center ANIMA in Athens, Greece, October 30, 2026. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas
According to the company, the procedure was successful, with the bird showing encouraging signs of recovery. The prosthetic is designed to support her weight, improve her balance and restore enough mobility for her to move around independently.
Learning to Walk Again
Four months after receiving her prosthetic, the eagle is undergoing an extensive rehabilitation program at ANIMA’s Athens facility. Physiotherapist Danae Thanopoulou is working with the bird through a combination of physical therapy, acupuncture, electrotherapy and exercises designed to strengthen her muscles and improve her balance and gait.
Physiotherapist Danae Thanopoulou, 41, feeds a young female eastern imperial eagle fitted with a prosthetic leg developed using 3D-printing technology to encourage it to exercise its leg, at Greek wildlife rescue center ANIMA in Athens, Greece, October 30, 2026. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas
The eagle has begun taking her first steps with the artificial limb, although adapting to it is expected to take time.
Despite her progress, she will never be able to return to the wild. Her prosthetic lacks functional talons, leaving her unable to catch and kill prey, an essential part of survival for a bird of prey.
ANIMA hopes that once her rehabilitation is complete, the eagle can be transferred to a specialized facility abroad, where she could take part in a captive breeding program and contribute to conservation efforts for her species.
For now, her rehabilitation continues in Athens, where veterinarians and physiotherapists are helping her adjust to walking with her new leg.
