Kenyan Birdman goes viral for rescuing birds as health officials warn of disease risk

A Nairobi‑based man who calls himself “Birdman” has attracted widespread attention after posting videos of himself caring for injured wild birds. The former homeless individual says that rescuing and rehabilitating the birds gave him a sense of purpose, and his online platform now centers on a conservation message that highlights the importance of protecting Kenya’s avian wildlife. His videos, which show him sharing food and space with the birds, have gone viral across social media, drawing both admiration and curiosity from viewers worldwide.

Kenyan health officials have cautioned that eating from the same plate as wild birds could facilitate the transmission of zoonotic diseases, urging the public to avoid close contact with potentially infected animals. Birdman, whose real name is Magutha, rejected the warnings, stating that the birds are released once they recover and that his practices pose no health risk. The debate underscores the tension between grassroots wildlife rescue efforts and public health guidelines as the story continues to circulate online.