American streamer IShowSpeed was fined $10,000 (Ksh1.3 million) to name and adopt a baby rhino at the Nairobi National Orphanage, naming it “Rhinaldo.”

The moment went viral, but behind the headlines was a serious conservation effort.

The fee is part of an official wildlife program run with the Kenya Wildlife Service. That money goes directly toward protecting endangered animals, covering food, medical care, security, and rehabilitation.

Rhinos are especially expensive to protect because of constant poaching threats. They need armed guards, specialized veterinary treatment, and careful habitat management.

Speed’s visit was streamed live to millions of fans worldwide. He bottle-fed the young rhino with help from trained rangers, and the whole thing was chaotic and entertaining in his usual style.

But the impact was real. His massive audience, many of whom probably never think about wildlife conservation, suddenly got a front-row seat to what’s happening on the ground in Kenya.

For Nairobi National Park, the exposure was huge. The Park sits right next to Kenya’s capital city, making it unique but also vulnerable.

Conservationists have started welcoming these high-profile influencer visits because they bring attention and funding from entirely new audiences.

Some people online questioned whether $10,000 was too much. In the end, Speed’s followers got entertainment, while Kenya’s wildlife received marketing.