A macaw with a deformed beak has been rescued from captivity and given a new 3D titanium prosthesis during delicate surgery in Brazil.

Life with a shorter-than-normal beak meant the bird could not eat solid foods properly.

The macaw, named Gigi, was operated on at the CETAS Unimonte animal research, training and rehabilitation centre in San Paulo by a team of four veterinarians.

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The new beak was designed by professor and 3D designer Cícero Moraes who shared photos of the process on his personal Facebook page.

He dubbed the surgery an “historic moment”, saying it was the first time a macaw had received a prosthetic 3D-printed beak.

The centre alluded in a Facebook post to the fact Gigi was rescued because she was involved in the illegal exotic birds trade.

Vet surgeons had to screw the titanium prosthesis onto Gigi’s shorter-than-normal beak. Photo: Facebook

The research centre’s veterinarians released photos and videos of Gigi living life with her new beak after the successful surgery.

“The process of adaptation of the prosthetic is not as simple as it seems, requires full attention, dedication, and extra care with the animal,” the centre said in a Facebook post.

“Gigi recovers super well and is adapting quickly with [the] prosthesis of titanium.”

A video shows Gigi eating solid foods, carefully nibbling on a hand-fed snack as she recovers from the surgery.

Gigi before and after the titanium beak surgery. Photo: Facebook

A 3D specialist designed Gigi’s personalised new beak. Photo: Facebook