3D-printed sea lion pelvis could expand marine mammal training

UNLV researchers have developed a 3D-printed synthetic California sea lion pelvic model designed to help veterinarians and trainers practice blood collection on an anatomically realistic stand-in rather than live animals or cadavers. The work, published January 21, 2026, in Scientific Reports, used CT and MRI DICOM imaging data from the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program to recreate bone, skin, blubber, and muscle layers around the caudal gluteal blood collection site, a common venipuncture site in otariids. UNLV said the model is intended to support care for sea lions arriving at rehabilitation facilities as toxic algal blooms continue to drive strandings along the Southern California coast. (nature.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the advance is less about novelty than repetition and precision. California sea lions affected by domoic acid poisoning often need bloodwork as part of triage and monitoring, but blood collection in marine mammals is anatomically specific and tactilely dependent. A reusable phantom that mimics tissue feel and landmarking could improve training, reduce reliance on carcasses, and help rehabilitation teams build procedural confidence during surge events, when responders may be handling large numbers of neurologically compromised animals. (nature.com)

What to watch: The next step is whether the group can add more realistic blood-flow dynamics and sensor-based feedback, and whether similar models are adopted by marine mammal rehabilitation centers, zoos, and aquariums. (nature.com)