How a 3D-printed synthetic sea lion pelvis enhances veterinary capabilities to counter ongoing beaching
Phys.org
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scores of sea lions continue to beach themselves along Southern California’s coastline, largely due to toxic algae blooms that cause sickness. However, a groundbreaking 3D-printed synthetic sea lion pelvic model has emerged as a potential solution, offering veterinarians a realistic tool for medical training and improving efforts to treat these marine mammals.
The UNLV-led research, published in *Scientific Reports*, focuses on creating an anatomically accurate replica of the California sea lion’s pelvic region. This model mimics both bone structure and soft tissues, providing medical professionals with a highly authentic platform for practicing critical procedures like blood collection. By enhancing training opportunities, this innovation aims to improve the success rate of treatments administered to live sea lions.
This development is particularly significant in the context of ongoing environmental challenges affecting marine life. The ability to train veterinarians on realistic models not only improves patient outcomes but also underscores the importance of innovative approaches in wildlife conservation and veterinary science. Such advancements highlight how technology can bridge gaps in understanding and treating wild animals, offering hope for addressing similar issues faced by other species.
The project’s broader implications extend beyond sea lions, showcasing the potential of 3D-printed anatomical models to revolutionize wildlife medicine. By providing veterinarians with tools that replicate real-world scenarios, researchers are helping to address one of the most pressing environmental and conservation challenges facing Southern
Verticals
sciencephysics
Originally published on Phys.org on 2/25/2026