Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — Andy N. Condor was more than just a bird that once lived at Tracy Aviary, a 9-acre zoo within Liberty Park.
Tracy Aviary staff often described the Andean condor — a fixture of the aviary for 63 years — as a "cele-birdy," the only bird in their collection that amassed a social media following with over 20,000 fans. He was once pictured for National Geographic and his image and likeness were used for different products.
On top of that, conservationists all over the world viewed him as an inspiration behind their efforts to protect condors and vultures across the globe, especially as many have fallen close to extinction.
"He was quite a legendary figure," said Helen Dishaw, curator of bird programs for Tracy Aviary, who also served as Andy's primary caretaker for the final 13 years of his life.
So when Andy died last year at the age of 64, Tracy Aviary staff knew something had to be done to honor his legacy. They settled on a slightly larger-than-life-sized statue that will greet visitors as they walk in.
A celebration is slated for Saturday, where the statue will be unveiled fittingly in time for International Vulture Awareness Day.
"He will always be at the aviary," Dishaw told KSL.com. "When people visit Tracy Aviary, they'll be greeted by Andy. His legacy will live on long past any of us mere mortals."
Andy's impact
Andy came to Tracy Aviary in 1960, a year after he hatched at the San Diego Zoo, under a program to help repopulate what was then a threatened species. There are about 10,000 Andean condors in the world today, making them "near threatened," according to the American Bird Conservancy.
A program started in 1989 to increase the bird population, according to the San Diego Zoo. Zoos have raised Andean condors — like how Andy came into the world — and then released them into their native habitats in Colombia, Venezuela and Peru.
There were attempts to mate Andy to help repopulate condors, but those never panned out. As Dishaw put it, Andy enjoyed a bachelor lifestyle and seemed to gravitate more toward people.
However, he contributed to efforts to save his species in other ways. As a resident of the aviary for nearly three-fourths of its existence at the time of his death, he inspired people to turn their awe of him into a desire to protect condors.
He used his "cele-birdy" fame to help people see value in all types of vultures, which were once often viewed negatively.
Immortalizing a legend
The idea to build a statue came shortly after Andy's death in August 2023. Staff agreed he had been a resident for so long, the aviary didn't feel the same without him.
They put out a notice about the project late last year, receiving interest from artists from all over the country. Adam Matano, an artist based in Los Angeles, stood out from the beginning. After viewing his work and meeting with him, the aviary hired him in January to carry out the project.
Tracy Aviary officials posted regular project updates on the Facebook page created for Andy after that. Matano produced three miniature clay models for what the statue could look like based on photos and videos, as well as personal recollections and even exact measurements of his footprints and feathers.
He and the aviary staff settled on an option where Andy appears to be in motion with his wings slightly stretched out. It's very reminiscent of the walks around the facility he'd go on, which delighted so many visitors.
Matano then got to work on a 42-by-43-by-31-inch statue, inviting Dishaw to his studio in April where she got to see her beloved feathered friend in a new light for the first time since his passing.
"It was an emotional thing. ... It looks just like him," she said, later explaining that it perfectly captured the memories she had of him. "It was overwhelming."
The statue cost about $40,000, a portion of which was covered by donations from people inside and outside of Utah.
Some who donated offered testimonials about how Andy touched their lives.
"We so much enjoyed meeting and walking with Andy and (Dishaw). It is a treasured memory," wrote one donor from Texas.
Andy's return
Aviary officials had hoped to have the statue installed by May, but their goal hit a snag beyond either their or Matano's control. They had to wait months for a foundry to take in the project.
The bronze statue was installed Thursday in Utah. It serendipitously arrived on time to be unveiled on International Vulture Awareness Day, a day meant to bring attention to why vultures and condors matter — much like Andy's legacy.
I hope they can see (Andy's) spirit shining through out of the sculpture, because I do.
–Helen Dishaw, Tracy Aviary
Staff considered installing it outside of his long-time enclosure — a space now home to five storks — but they settled for the aviary's front plaza, so he can greet every visitor as they enter.
An unveiling ceremony is slated for 10 a.m. on Saturday, after which time will be given for visitors to take pictures with the statue. Other venture-related events are planned for later in the day.
Nothing will replace Andy, but Dishaw said she hopes his statue will still delight and inspire visitors much like he did in his lifetime.
"He is literally responsible for changing the hearts and minds of thousands," she said. "I hope they can see his spirit shining through out of the sculpture because I do."
