When Andy was two years old, Gene Fleming from nearby Hastings became aware of the bird's plight.

[1] Fleming's granddaughter, Jessica, named him after a girl with whom she got into a fight in junior high school.

[2] Initial failed attempts at providing Andy with more mobility included a skateboard-like prosthesis.

Fleming then fitted Andy with specially adapted baby-sized shoes, and he successfully taught the bird to walk with them.

[1] Andy disappeared on October 19, 1991, and was found dead the next day in a local park with his head and wings ripped off.