In case you needed any more proof that 3D printers are the best things in the world, a student has used one to save a tortoise's life.
Cleopatra is a rescue tortoise who suffers from pyramiding - a shell deformity resulting in holes and cracks which can become infected.
It can be particularly dangerous as the species tend to socialise (and get naughty) by climbing on top of each other.
A student from Denver, who found Cleo at the Canyon Critter Reptile Rescue, decided to design a perfect replica to fit over Cleo's damaged shell and protect her from infection.
Roger Henry used software and a 3D printer to produce the fetching orange prosthetic, which will protect Cleo against infections and other reptiles.
3D Printed Tortoise Shell
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Open Image Modal Cleopatra, a leopard tortoise, whose shell is deformed because of malnutrition, wears a prototype 3-D printed prosthetic shell, March 25, 2015. (credit:RJ Sangosti via Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalCleopatra, a leopard tortoise, whose shell is deformed because of malnutrition, wears a new prototype 3-D printed prosthetic shell, March 25, 2015. Nico Novelli owner of Canyon Critters Reptile Rescue where Cleopatra now lives and looks after the tortoise. (credit:RJ Sangosti via Getty Images)
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Open Image Modal (credit:RJ Sangosti via Getty Images)
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Open Image Modal (credit:RJ Sangosti via Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalNico Novelli, left, owner of Canyon Critters Reptile Rescue where Cleopatra now lives and Roger Henry a student at Colorado Technical University worked to design the prosthetic shell put the prosthetic shell on the tortoise. (credit:RJ Sangosti via Getty Images)
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Open Image Modal (credit:RJ Sangosti via Getty Images)
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