People have been applying prosthesis to help the handicapped ones ever since the Egyptians - but probably only recently we realized, we're not the only ones on Earth suffering pain. Unlike people, animals can't cry or complain about the pain, and the less resilient ones lead a much shorter and harder life in case of an accident. Even though veterinarians do provide considerable help, more serious surgeries or even usage of special prosthetic limbs is a fairly recent thing the humanity started doing for the animal care.
Wild animals can get hurt in a number of different ways, be that a disease or an accident, getting harmed by human or larger predators, or any other. However, now more and more centers worldwide are applying mechanisms to help the animals recover from an injury and live as normal of a life as possible. Check out some inspiring examples of how veterinary medicine has helped the animals by fitting them with a prosthetic needed!
Eagle
This bald eagle, named Beauty, was shot by a poacher. After three years a group of volunteers made her a prosthetic beak, which was a key to her survival: an eagle, which has to be hand-fed, is eventually euthanized, and Beauty was once again able to grasp food herself. (Read more)
Motala the Elephant
Motala, aged 50, lost a foot after he stepped on a land mine. Luckily, Thailand is the one country in the world with an elephant veterinary care hospital running, and dedicated workers could take care of Motala. (Read more) (Read more)
Fuji the Dolphin
Due to a necrotic disease, 75% of Fuji's fin had to be amputated. It was the Bridgestone company, one of the largest manufacturers of tires, that created a silicone replacement for Fuji, making her the first dolphin with a prosthetic fin. (Read more)
Horse
Riley's leg bone began to deteriorate due to a contaminated metal plate that was inserted. Due to the injury, the mare had to be put down, but the sanctuary staff decided to try a pioneering operation, which gave Riley an artificial limb and saved the adorable animal's life. (Read more)
Tuly the Tortoise
While hibernating, Tuly had her leg chewed off by a rat. It was saved by fitting a toy tractor's wheel to it. (Read more)
Oscar the Cat
A passer-by found Oscar injured by a combine harvester; as advised by a local vet, the owner of the cat from Jersey contacted a doctor in England, and after lots of x-rays being sent back and forth, the cat had two prosthetic legs fitted, as well as rehab in the UK before coming back home. (Read more)
Cassidy the Dog
Cassidy was found wondering in streets, underweight, and missing a leg: after one family decided to adopt and take care of the dog, they found a medical care facility that could create a prosthetic limb, making Cassidy the first dog to receive such treatment. (Read more)
Uzonka the Stork
Uzonka was injured by an unknown person and had to undergo 5 preparatory surgeries before it could have a prosthesis attached to its bill. (Read more)