Tripedalism
Locomotion by use of three limbs
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In nature
Parrots (birds of the order Psittaciformes) are the only creatures to naturally use tripedal forms of locomotion, as they use their heads as a third limb when climbing. They generate propulsive and tangential forces equal to or greater than those of forelimbs in non-human primates when climbing vertical surfaces.
Non-standard tripedal gaits are also observed in primates when they use one limb to grasp an object.
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Quadrupedal amputees and mutations
There are some three-legged creatures in the world today, namely four-legged animals (such as pet dogs and cats) which have had one limb amputated. Animals made into tripeds through amputation may suffer from long term health consequences; these issues include osteoarthritis and spinal deformity and are largely a result of disruption to natural locomotion cycles and symmetry.
There are also cases of mutations or birth abnormalities in animals (including humans) which have resulted in three legs. With humans, a third limb may arise from the surgical bisection of conjoined or parasitic twins. Such conditions will often result in a limb with reduced or limited mobility. In rarer cases such as with Frank Lentini, a third limb may be usable in activities requiring moderate motor function, such as kicking a football, but will still lack the fine motor skills of the natural limbs.