Meet Freddy, the First Tortoise With a 3D-Printed Shell

Meet Freddy, a tortoise who redefines what it means to be a survivor.

After being caught in a Brazilian forest fire, 85% of Freddy’s shell was damaged. After the fire, she survived two cases of pneumonia and went without food for 45 days. Upon being rescued, her caretakers named her Freddy because the injuries on her shell reminded them of Freddy Krueger.

Luckily, Freddy was able to take part in a groundbreaking science experiment that saved the animals life.

Using a 3D printer, designer Cicero Moraes was able to make a plastic replica of a tortoise shell and place it on Freddy’s back. The shell is made from four puzzle-like pieces that snap together which creates a protective shell for the tortoise.

While the experiment was a success, the shell stuck out like a sore thumb and made Freddy very visible in the wild. However, volunteer artist, Yuri Caldera, was able to paint a look-a-like shell for Freddy, making her the trendiest tortoise on the block.

The group that helped organize the first 3D printing is called the Animal Avengers. The group has also saved several birds by printing them new beaks that have broken from injury or other issues.

After the makeover, it looks like Freddy is pretty deserving of a new name! Check out more on 3D printing and the process below!