text: A 3D printing company has created a prosthetic leg for a goose after it was left struggling for self confidence following an amputation. Ozzie the goose was close to being put down numerous times after he broke his leg and it was amputated at the joint. But an animal lover's appeal for help led to a South African tech company stepping in to manufacture him a brand new limb. Ozzie the goose has his stump measurements taken as BunnyCorp works to design him a new leg . Ozzie's new 3D printed leg (pictured) was designed in the shape and size of a goose leg to fit him perfectly . Philip Van Der Walt, director of BunnyCorp, said it was a few weeks ago when his company 'got word of a goose with a situation'. He said: 'He broke his leg and it had to be amputated at the joint. 'He was lucky as animal lover and rescuer Sue Burger got hold of him and started nursing him back to health. As time went by he struggled more and more to cope with only one leg resulting in damaged wings and self confidence. 'They considered ending his struggle many times but always decided not to. 'Out of desperation, Sue managed to get onto the national radio station here and called (South African broadcaster) RSG in the hope someone would hear their plea and be able to assist them somehow. 'Helen from 3D printing systems contacted me a few days later telling me about someone who is looking for help, as she normally sends us medical related queries. The prosthetic limb is composed of several parts and replacement pieces which comprise his new leg . After creating specific design files, a 3D printer was used to manufacture the new limb (pictured) 'We soon discovered that it was the same person from the radio. We contacted Sue and told her we would look into it and see if we can get something off the ground.' Mr Van Der Walt then gathered up sponsors to help fund what is believed to be the first 3D-printed prosthetic limb for an animal in South Africa. He added: 'Sue brought the goose to the BunnyCorp offices where we took photos and took measurements of the goose's leg. We explained to them the process and what we had planned and then set a date for the test. 'We started working and came up with a few possible solutions, we are by no means experts on animal prosthetic but we do work with human prosthetic and this did give us some insight on what should work. 'The CAD (computer-aided design) files where then sent to Hybrid Advanced Geometries to be 3D printed and finished. 'We got together on the 3rd of April and did a fitting test on the goose, the parts fitted perfectly but he was a bit confused about his new leg as he has been without one for about five months. 'He will need some therapy to assist him and close monitoring for a few days. We can then re-look the design and see if any improvements can be made before we 3D print the final product.' Ozzie the goose is able to fly short distances again after the replacement limb allowed him to properly land .
target: Ozzie the goose has been given a new leg manufactured using a 3D printer .
  He broke his leg and had it amputated before being nursed back to health .
  But he was unable to fly and struggling for self confidence after operation .
  Rescuer Sue Burger made an appeal on public radio for help with Ozzie .
  Tech company BunnyCorp stepped in to 3D print him a new prosthetic limb .