Bella the llama has a new fashion accessory: a cheetah-print prosthesis.
After stepping in a gopher hole and breaking her back leg about two years ago, the animal was forced to have the leg amputated after complications that continued to result in infection, according to the Sacramento Bee.
But life on three legs proved to be difficult, and Bella eventually stopped trying to move around at her Newcastle, Calif., home.
Facing imminent euthanasia, Bella received help from Michael Carlson of the Hanger Clinic, the same company that built a prosthetic tail for Winter the dolphin, the Bee reports.
Today, the llama looks forward to frolicking with her new leg, which is outfitted with a cheetah-print pattern. And she's even developed a loving relationship with the team that gave her a second chance at life.
"When she sees me in the morning, if I do not come out with her leg, she just keeps staring at me," Trish Brandt-Robuck told FOX 40 in an on-camera interview. "As soon as I put it on, she's up, ears up. I mean, she's a happy camper."
While Bella is thought to be the first llama to sport a the prosthetic leg, rehabilitation efforts have given countless animals a new lease on life over the years.
Like the llama, Motala the elephant had her leg amputated after unsuccessful attempts to save the limb. The animal lost her leg after stepping on a land mine in Thailand, but has since received at least three prostheses.
Sammi the dog, on the other hand, was able to gain mobility through weeks of hard work.
The quadriplegic pup underwent months of intense treatment sessions after a surgery left him almost immobile. Much to the surprise of the pup's owner, Sammi regained the ability to walk, run and even swim.
Llama adjusts to life with a prosthetic leg
Photos: Bella, a llama in Northern California, has a prosthetic leg ...
Newcastle llama becomes accustomed to life with prosthetic leg ...
Llama gets groove back with prosthetic leg - Auburn Journal
Prosthetic limb saves Newcastle llama's life | news10.net
Local Llama Gets Around On Artificial Leg « CBS Sacramento
Bella a three-legged llama gets a prosthetic leg | Furry Tales ...
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The Huffington Post | By Ileana Llorens Posted: 05/ 3/2012 6:15 pm Updated: 05/ 3/2012 6:38 pm