A Kenyan man who has become an internet sensation for living alongside rescued birds is drawing concern from public health officials, who warn that his close contact with wild animals could expose both him and the public to infectious diseases.
Rodgers Oloo Magutha, popularly known as the “Nairobi Birdman,” rose to fame after videos showed him surrounded by pigeons, crows and other birds perched on his shoulders and head as he walked through the streets of Nairobi. Once homeless, Magutha says rescuing injured birds helped him overcome depression and rebuild his life. His videos have since attracted tens of thousands of followers on social media, where many praise his unusual bond with the animals.
Health experts, however, say his close interaction with wild birds poses potential risks of zoonotic diseases illnesses that can spread from animals to humans. Officials became particularly concerned after videos appeared to show Magutha sharing food with the birds from the same plate, prompting warnings that prolonged contact with wild animals can facilitate the transmission of harmful pathogens.
Nairobi city authorities have urged Magutha to release many of the birds in his care, arguing that keeping large numbers of wild birds in a residential setting could create a public health hazard. Researchers from the Kenya Medical Research Institute have also cautioned that while rescuing injured wildlife is commendable, it should be done under appropriate veterinary and conservation guidelines.
Magutha has defended his work, insisting that his birds are free to leave whenever they choose and that his mission is to promote compassion for wildlife and encourage conservation. He says his growing online following has helped spread awareness about the importance of protecting urban bird populations, adding that humans and nature can coexist responsibly.
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