Growing up in rural Ethiopia, 12-year-old Markos Abaye developed a deep affection for animals.

🌐 Here's What Happened

So when his beloved chicken fell sick earlier this month and did not respond to any at-home treatments, Markos popped his shoes on and did what made the most sense to him - he rushed the bird to the local hospital.

A video of the unlikely couple, recorded by a nurse at Denbecha Primary Hospital in the Amhara region, racked up 770,000 views on TikTok, with many Ethiopians struck by Markos' compassion.

"She is wheezing," Markos tells the nurse in the video, cradling the poorly chicken with a worried expression on his face.

📌 Key Details

The nurse, Umer Chane, responds: "Listen, there are doctors who treat animals. You have to take her there. This is a hospital for humans. Okay, dear?"

The youngster wound up at the hospital after his uncle, also his guardian, suggested getting professional help for the hen. There are vets in Denbecha, but Markos was not aware they existed.

In the midst of his experience with social media fame, Markos told the BBC: "My chicken is better now. I'm going to give her the 12 eggs I saved so she can hatch them."

Markos' uncle, Kelemework Amogne, said Markos was so distressed by the chicken's illness that he stopped studying and eating.

Markos is extremely close to the bird, Kelemework said, adding: "He watches her carefully when she walks. He even studies her footprints.

"When there are holes in the ground, he builds small bridges so she doesn't fall."

📰 Source: BBC Africa