Conservationists have been using 3D printed replica eggs to help the endangered fairy tern survive during storms and high tides. Staff would replace the eggs with 3D printed replica and have the terns continue incubating the replicas, while the real ones are incubated at Auckland Zoo.
The replica eggs were designed to match the shape, weight, UV resistance, size, colour, and texture, an extent so realistic until the parent birds had no idea that they are sitting on replicas.
The conservation programme has had a record-breaking breeding season with 22 eggs laid and 14 chicks successfully hatched.
Read more about it here.