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Technology teacher saves duck with 3D printed feet
phillip the duck
Phillip the duck is now learning to find his feet again.
Phillip is learning to waddle again

A duck who lost both his feet to frostbite can now waddle again after being fitted with a pair of 3D printed boots.

The duck, affectionately named Phillip, was rescued by school teacher Vicki Rabe-Harrison from the US State of Wisconsin.

Sadly his feet were in such a bad way that she thought the only option would be to put him down.

In a last-ditch attempt to save Phillip, Ms Harrison reached out to technology teacher Jason Jischke who owned a 3D printer.

Together with his students, Mr Jischke immediately began working on a prototype for the injured bird.

After a few weeks of trail and error, Phillip was fitted with his new feet and can be seen in a video taking on his first few steps.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms Harrison said: "He picked it up real fast and I'm sure he'll learn to balance again, and be able to waddle around with all the other ducks.”

Phillip the duck is now learning to find his feet again and will shortly be rehomed to an animal rescue centre.

Image (C) World of News/Youtube

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.