Using artificial body parts is not rare in humans. We have even seen pet dogs or cats with artificial legs. But in Vienna, the researchers have helped a bearded vulture to stand on his own feet by reconstructing its amputated foot. And may be this one is the ‘first bionic bird in the world.’
Bearded vultures are the largest flying birds in Europe with a wingspan of up to 2.6 metres. The vulture ‘Mia’ lost its foot in some accident and it was struggling to walk and land. The feet are as much important for the vultures to hold their prey too.
The researchers in Medical University of Vienna used an innovative technique called osseointegration to reconstruct Mia’s amputated foot which helps the bird to use it almost as natural. They also said it is the first time they became successful in bionically reconstructing the limb on a vulture. They used titanium to replace lost limb which will be lighter at the same time stronger to hold the weight of the bird. Then they reconstructed prosthetic parts to the outer side.
The bird would not survive long if it had not been given an artificial limb, the researchers say. The study was published in Scientific Reports.